Black Met group cuts manager links

Representatives of ethnic minority officers in the UK's largest police force have severed links with senior managers.

Members of the Metropolitan Black Police Association (MetBPA) said they would disengage from all meetings and have no confidence in top officers.

They said colleagues were "appalled" at the suspension of Commander Ali Dizaei whom they believed was the victim of a "sustained witch-hunt".

The move is the latest chapter in an angry race row that has cast a shadow over Scotland Yard for several months.

Chairman Alfred John said he and other representatives would only attend meetings concerning the reinstatement of Mr Dizaei.

He said: "The MetBPA are appalled at the action taken against Commander Ali Dizaei. Mr Dizaei has been the victim of what we believe to be the culmination of a sustained witch-hunt.

"Mr Dizaei had not received a single complaint for over four years and yet, within the last three weeks, three complaints have materialised."

The senior officer is being investigated after claims that he advised a defence team on a Met prosecution were published. Further allegations concerning an arrest he made while off-duty at a restaurant and over the use of his corporate credit card are also being probed.

Sources close to Mr Dizaei said he strongly denied any wrongdoing and expected to be vindicated within weeks. One close colleague said Mr Dizaei anticipated being suspended and that it was an "act of desperation".

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) announced it had suspended Mr Dizaei on Thursday night after consulting the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).