Ethnic officers cut links with Met police chiefs

Published on Friday 19 September 2008 21:40

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

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

They said colleagues were "appalled" at the suspension of Commander Ali Dizaei, who 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 representatives would only attend meetings concerning the reinstatement of Mr Dizaei. He added: "The MetBPA are appalled at the action taken against Commander Ali Dizaei. Mr Dizaei has been the victim of 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.