Probe launched into 11 Met cops in one crime unit at London station over racism and bullying claims

A CRIME unit is being probed for alleged bullying, racism, drug use and nobbling an inquiry.

Eleven Met cops from one of Britain’s busiest police stations are under investigation.

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The Impact Team at the centre of the investigation were based at Charing Cross police station[/caption]

The probe was triggered by claims an officer had sex with a woman at Charing Cross in central London, where the West End Zone Impact Team was based.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said yesterday the inquiry “widened considerably” after analysis of officers’ phones.

New allegations include violence towards women and taking advantage of vulnerable people, deleting messages relevant to a criminal probe, bullying colleagues, and racist language and behaviour.

Officers on the unit, set up to fight crime around Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, were also allegedly taking steroids.

It is understood at least one female is among eight PCs and two sergeants quizzed. An eleventh will be questioned shortly.

The Met said three PCs and a sergeant have been placed on restricted duties and one constable has been suspended.

Another has since left after the Impact Team was disbanded last year in a structural shake-up. IOPC regional director Sal ­Naseem said: “These are very serious allegations and it is vital for public confidence that these are independently investigated.”

He added: “We would also like to hear from other officers at Charing Cross station, or the wider public, who may be able to provide valuable information.”

The Met said it “takes all allegations of wrongdoing extremely seriously and is fully co-operating with the IOPC investigation”.

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