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Asian officer relieved of duties Asian officer relieved of duties
(10 minutes later)
The UK's most senior Asian police officer has been "relieved of his command", the National Black Police Association (NBPA) has said.The UK's most senior Asian police officer has been "relieved of his command", the National Black Police Association (NBPA) has said.
The decision came after Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur lodged a £1.2m racial discrimination claim against the Metropolitan Police (Met).The decision came after Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur lodged a £1.2m racial discrimination claim against the Metropolitan Police (Met).
Commissioner Sir Ian Blair made the decision after meeting with Mr Ghaffur and his lawyer at Scotland Yard.Commissioner Sir Ian Blair made the decision after meeting with Mr Ghaffur and his lawyer at Scotland Yard.
NBPA said it was "disappointed" with the "unprecedented decision".NBPA said it was "disappointed" with the "unprecedented decision".
The Met has said Mr Ghaffur has been put on "authorised leave".
'Necessary move'
Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur lodged the claim against the Met with an employment tribunal on 22 August.Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur lodged the claim against the Met with an employment tribunal on 22 August.
He claims he was discriminated against on grounds of race, religion and age.He claims he was discriminated against on grounds of race, religion and age.
Mr Ghaffur is head of security planning for London's 2012 Olympics.Mr Ghaffur is head of security planning for London's 2012 Olympics.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson backed Sir Ian's decision saying it is in the best interests of policing in London.The Mayor of London Boris Johnson backed Sir Ian's decision saying it is in the best interests of policing in London.
He said: "This is a necessary move in order to restore confidence that the operational efficiency of the Met Police is not compromised.He said: "This is a necessary move in order to restore confidence that the operational efficiency of the Met Police is not compromised.
"I have no intention of getting involved in employment tribunals or other inquiries but I am totally supportive of this action.""I have no intention of getting involved in employment tribunals or other inquiries but I am totally supportive of this action."