New scandal after Met cops offensive comments filmed

The Metropolitan Police has been hit with a fresh scandal over claims of racism and misogyny after officers at a London police station were secretly filmed making offensive comments and bragging about using violence.

- AMY-CLARE MARTIN MILLIE COOKE

Damning footage gathered in a seven-month undercover investigation for a Panorama documentary has raised fresh questions over culture and standards at Britain’s biggest police force.

Recordings show one officer, PC Phil Neilson, while off duty, suggesting an immigrant who had overstayed his visa should be shot.

He said: “Either put a bullet through his head or deport him. And the ones that shag women, rape women, you do the c*** and let them bleed out.”

The filming also uncovered officers making sexualised comments about women, being dismissive about a rape complaint, making anti-Muslim remarks and appearing to boast about the use of excessive force.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has branded the revelations “shocking”, adding that Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley “needs to be very robust in his response”.

Sir Mark has issued an apology for the “reprehensible and completely unacceptable” behaviour. Within 48 hours of receiving the allegations, nine officers and one designated detention officer, who is a civilian member of staff, were suspended.

They are under investigation for gross misconduct by watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct. One constable is facing a criminal investigation for allegedly perverting the course of justice.

Sir Mark said where there is “incontrovertible evidence of racism, misogyny, anti-Muslim sentiment or bragging about excessive use of force” he expects them to be fast-tracked for disciplinary proceedings where they face “likely dismissal”.

While off duty, drinking at a pub, PC Neilson also told undercover reporter Rory Bibb that Algerians and Somalians are “scum”, and made reference to there being an invasion of the UK by migrants.

“I think any foreign person is the worst to deal with,” he said.