Tim Moynihan
Britain's biggest police force is facing a fresh crisis after a senior Asian officer accused of misconduct was suspended.
The Metropolitan Police Authority said its professional standards sub-committee had taken the step after considering allegations concerning Commander Ali Dizaei.
Newspaper reports have said Commander Dizaei is being investigated over allegations he advised a defence team on how to undermine a criminal case brought by his employer.
He is said to deny the claims completely.
The reports say he is alleged to have acted as a consultant to point out weaknesses in a case brought by the Metropolitan Police against a woman accused of leaving the scene of a fatal hit-and-run.
The investigation started after a complaint was made directly to Sir Ian Blair, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, more than a month ago, the reports say.
In his role as president of the National Black Police Association, Mr Dizaei is a close confidant of Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, who is taking the force to an employment tribunal over claims of racial discrimination, and has been sent on gardening leave by Sir Ian. The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) said the sub-committee met yesterday.
It said in a statement: "The committee considered allegations concerning Commander Dizaei and, after lengthy and careful deliberations, unanimously decided to suspend the commander.
"Suspension is not a disciplinary sanction and it is emphasised that suspension should not be taken as a presumption of guilt."
The IPCC said in a statement: "IPCC chair Nick Hardwick considered the request and has told the MPA that he has agreed that the suspension should be allowed."
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