The Metropolitan Police are braced for an undercover documentary alleging officers and staff showed support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson, made anti-Muslim comments, and used excessive force against suspects. The BBC Panorama programme, airing on Wednesday, centres on Charing Cross police station in central London.
Nine serving officers have been suspended and the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has launched a major investigation. One officer is under criminal investigation on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. The undercover reporter worked as civilian staff at the station between August 2024 and January this year.
The allegations include an officer making supportive comments about Robinson, a former English Defence League leader described as the “best-known far-right extremist in Britain”. Claims of excessive force against a young suspect, as well as anti-Muslim and anti-female comments, are also expected to be broadcast.
Charing Cross was the source of a scandal in 2022 that contributed to the ousting of then commissioner Cressida Dick. An IOPC report revealed officers sharing messages about hitting and raping women, and making offensive remarks about black babies and the Holocaust. The Met has since disbanded the custody team at Charing Cross and reformed leadership there.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who vowed to clean up the force, has cancelled some engagements to deal with the fallout. The IOPC has obtained CCTV from the custody area and is appealing for former staff to come forward. Both the Met and IOPC hope the BBC will provide evidence after the broadcast.
