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Three Met Police officers suspended over racism allegations | |
(40 minutes later) | |
Three Metropolitan Police officers from east London have been suspended over allegations they made racist comments. | |
The Independent Police Complaints Commission has started a formal probe into the claims against an acting sergeant and two PCs, based in Newham. | |
The alleged comments are said to have been made earlier this year to other officers and were reported on 19 March. | The alleged comments are said to have been made earlier this year to other officers and were reported on 19 March. |
In a message to residents the Newham borough commander said there was "no place for racism" in the force. | |
The Met decided to refer the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) on Wednesday. | The Met decided to refer the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) on Wednesday. |
Racism 'not tolerated' | Racism 'not tolerated' |
The fresh allegations come after Met Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe pledged to get to the bottom of two incidents in the borough from last August. | |
One involved an officer apparently racially abusing a man and another allegedly assaulting a teenage boy. | One involved an officer apparently racially abusing a man and another allegedly assaulting a teenage boy. |
The message from Acting Borough Commander Craig Haslam to residents has been posted on Neighbourhood Link, a free community messaging service to which local people can sign up. | The message from Acting Borough Commander Craig Haslam to residents has been posted on Neighbourhood Link, a free community messaging service to which local people can sign up. |
In the letter Mr Haslam said: "I'm sure that you have been as shocked as I have regarding the recent media reports of apparent racist remarks and alleged assault by some officers in Newham in August of last year. | In the letter Mr Haslam said: "I'm sure that you have been as shocked as I have regarding the recent media reports of apparent racist remarks and alleged assault by some officers in Newham in August of last year. |
"In line with the Commissioner's response to these events, I wanted to take this opportunity to clearly and categorically reiterate, that there is no place for racism in the Metropolitan Police Service and here at Newham. | "In line with the Commissioner's response to these events, I wanted to take this opportunity to clearly and categorically reiterate, that there is no place for racism in the Metropolitan Police Service and here at Newham. |
"Newham Police are absolutely determined to police the communities we serve with dignity, humanity, fairness and respect. | "Newham Police are absolutely determined to police the communities we serve with dignity, humanity, fairness and respect. |
"Any failure to adhere to these standards of professionalism will not be tolerated." | "Any failure to adhere to these standards of professionalism will not be tolerated." |
'Damaging footage' | 'Damaging footage' |
Police officers also met with the Independent Advisory Group and members from the local community on 3 April to listen to the concerns of the community, the officer added. | Police officers also met with the Independent Advisory Group and members from the local community on 3 April to listen to the concerns of the community, the officer added. |
Following the latest incident Commander Peter Spindler, MPS Directorate of Professional Standards, said: "These are serious allegations that are being thoroughly investigated so that robust action can be taken if proven. | Following the latest incident Commander Peter Spindler, MPS Directorate of Professional Standards, said: "These are serious allegations that are being thoroughly investigated so that robust action can be taken if proven. |
"The commissioner has already stated there is no place for racist behaviour in the Met and we will work with the IPCC to identify any wrongdoing." | "The commissioner has already stated there is no place for racist behaviour in the Met and we will work with the IPCC to identify any wrongdoing." |
Last week, a man arrested in the week of the London riots last summer described how he was subjected to racial abuse, which he says he recorded on his mobile phone. | Last week, a man arrested in the week of the London riots last summer described how he was subjected to racial abuse, which he says he recorded on his mobile phone. |
A policeman has now been suspended as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reassesses the man's complaint. | A policeman has now been suspended as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reassesses the man's complaint. |
And this week, an officer was placed on restricted duties while allegations of an assault, also last summer, on a teenage prisoner are investigated. | And this week, an officer was placed on restricted duties while allegations of an assault, also last summer, on a teenage prisoner are investigated. |