A serving Metropolitan Police sergeant has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice following an undercover BBC Panorama investigation that revealed racist and sexist comments made by officers at Charing Cross police station.
The footage, broadcast this week, showed officers calling for immigrants to be shot and boasting about using violence against suspects. The sergeant was arrested on 2 October after an incident linked to the documentary, and has since been bailed and suspended from duty.
The Met confirmed the arrest and said the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been informed. Deputy assistant commissioner Andy Valentine stated the force is “unrelenting” in tackling issues at Charing Cross and will take rapid action on any further allegations.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the footage as “shocking” and called for a robust response. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said he was “horrified” but insisted the vast majority of officers are trustworthy.
The IOPC is investigating nine serving officers, one former officer, and one detention officer for gross misconduct, including excessive force, discriminatory comments, and failure to report inappropriate behaviour. The documentary featured PC Phil Neilson suggesting immigrants should be shot or left to bleed out, and PC Martin Borg bragging about a colleague stamping on a detainee's leg.
