I am victim of race bias, says Scotland Yard's No 3

A SENIOR police officer yesterday accused his force of race discrimination.

Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, the third most senior officer in the Metropolitan Police, fired the opening salvo in his race claim against Scotland Yard, and pointed the finger of blame squarely at Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.

He said Sir Ian had discriminated against him "over a long period of time", sidelined him from his security role in the 2012 Olympics and victimised him after his intentions to go to an employment tribunal became public.

But hours later, his bosses at the Met hit back, denying the claims and urging Mr Ghaffur to "shut up" and get on with his job.

The row is a prelude to the tribunal, at which the Met will have to defend itself against claims of racism and religious discrimination.

Mr Ghaffur said he had brought the claim with "deep regret" after mediation collapsed and denied he was prompted by bitterness at his failure to be promoted.