'Ape taunt' officers settle claim

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Two black Police Community Support Officers who claimed a white officer mocked them with ape impersonations have settled the claim with the force.

PCSOs Wayne Bell and Clint Charles told the employment tribunal that Pc John Harrison had also used a stereotypical West Indian accent and street slang.

They withdrew the case from the tribunal in Watford after reaching an agreement with the Metropolitan Police.

The force had denied the claims. Pc Harrison had denied all allegations.

The PCSOs had also alleged that the force did not investigate their complaints properly.

'Clash of personalities'

Mr Bell, 40, from Westminster, central London, who joined as a PCSO in November 2002, told the tribunal that problems began after Pc Harrison joined the Transport Operational Command Unit in early 2007.

Mr Charles said the officer had made ape-like faces at him.

The tribunal heard the constable was transferred after Mr Bell complained.

Mr Charles had said he was shocked by the experience and it felt as if it had been "swept under the carpet".

Pc Harrison denied being racist and denied he had been protected by the Met and said the dispute was a "clash of personalities".

The PCSOs were seeking £30,000 each in compensation.