Menu
10/06/2009
Met Officers Suspended Following 'Water Torture' Claims
Six Metropolitan Police officers have been suspended following allegations they used a form of torture on suspected drug-smugglers.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) confirmed it was investigating the Enfield-based officers' conduct, during drugs raids in the north London borough last November.
The men are said to have pushed the suspects' heads repeatedly into buckets or bowls of water in a bid to force them to reveal the locations of drugs.
According to sources, one IPCC document is said to use the word "waterboarding" - the controversial CIA technique employed against al Qaeda suspects - in connection with the allegations.
However, neither the IPCC or Scotland Yard would comment on the nature of the claims.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said a police employee had raised concerns about the conduct of a number of officers during an internal investigation into allegations of mishandling property.
"The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) received information from a Metropolitan Police Service employee which raised concerns about the conduct of a small number of officers on Enfield borough," he said.
"The Met's DPS then initiated a thorough investigation and as part of this made a referral to the IPCC in April 2009.
"The IPCC is independently investigating the actions of six officers during the arrests of five people in November 2008.”
The spokesman added that it was "not appropriate to make assumptions" while the investigation was ongoing.
"That said, these are serious allegations that do raise real concern," he added.
"The Met does not tolerate conduct which falls below the standards that the public and the many outstanding Met officers and staff expect.
"Any allegations of such behaviour are treated very seriously, as this case illustrates, and if found true the strongest possible action will be taken."
The claims come as Scotland Yard is investigating similar allegations against the British Security Service MI5, after former Guantanamo detainee Binyam Mohamed said he was tortured by US agents.
(JM/NS)
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) confirmed it was investigating the Enfield-based officers' conduct, during drugs raids in the north London borough last November.
The men are said to have pushed the suspects' heads repeatedly into buckets or bowls of water in a bid to force them to reveal the locations of drugs.
According to sources, one IPCC document is said to use the word "waterboarding" - the controversial CIA technique employed against al Qaeda suspects - in connection with the allegations.
However, neither the IPCC or Scotland Yard would comment on the nature of the claims.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said a police employee had raised concerns about the conduct of a number of officers during an internal investigation into allegations of mishandling property.
"The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) received information from a Metropolitan Police Service employee which raised concerns about the conduct of a small number of officers on Enfield borough," he said.
"The Met's DPS then initiated a thorough investigation and as part of this made a referral to the IPCC in April 2009.
"The IPCC is independently investigating the actions of six officers during the arrests of five people in November 2008.”
The spokesman added that it was "not appropriate to make assumptions" while the investigation was ongoing.
"That said, these are serious allegations that do raise real concern," he added.
"The Met does not tolerate conduct which falls below the standards that the public and the many outstanding Met officers and staff expect.
"Any allegations of such behaviour are treated very seriously, as this case illustrates, and if found true the strongest possible action will be taken."
The claims come as Scotland Yard is investigating similar allegations against the British Security Service MI5, after former Guantanamo detainee Binyam Mohamed said he was tortured by US agents.
(JM/NS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 April 2012
Met Police Investigation Over Racism Claim
Three MPS officers based in Newham have been placed on restricted duties and a voluntary referral made to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) following allegations of racist comments being made within a group of officers.
Met Police Investigation Over Racism Claim
Three MPS officers based in Newham have been placed on restricted duties and a voluntary referral made to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) following allegations of racist comments being made within a group of officers.
09 February 2006
Police marksmen cleared over Stanley shooting
Two police marksmen who shot dead a man carrying a table leg, which they mistook for a gun, will not face disciplinary action. The Independent Police Complaints Commission decided that the officers' actions had been "appropriate in the circumstances".
Police marksmen cleared over Stanley shooting
Two police marksmen who shot dead a man carrying a table leg, which they mistook for a gun, will not face disciplinary action. The Independent Police Complaints Commission decided that the officers' actions had been "appropriate in the circumstances".
20 October 2015
IPCC Recommend Immediate Change To Body-Worn Camera Position
The current position of body-worn cameras on firearms officers is "unfit-for-purpose" and an alternative mounting system should be introduced at the earliest opportunity, an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) review has found.
IPCC Recommend Immediate Change To Body-Worn Camera Position
The current position of body-worn cameras on firearms officers is "unfit-for-purpose" and an alternative mounting system should be introduced at the earliest opportunity, an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) review has found.
02 June 2014
IPCC Investigate Metropolitan Police Service Commander
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has started an independent investigation into allegations regarding the conduct of a serving and two former Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers arising from the Stephen Lawrence Independent Review undertaken by Mark Ellison QC.
IPCC Investigate Metropolitan Police Service Commander
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has started an independent investigation into allegations regarding the conduct of a serving and two former Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers arising from the Stephen Lawrence Independent Review undertaken by Mark Ellison QC.
30 April 2009
Police Time Wasters Will be 'Dealt With'
Police in West Yorkshire have warned time wasters in the region they will be found out and dealt with. Officers in Kirklees said they recently issued three people from the same street in Holmfirth with fixed penalty notices following false allegations of crimes.
Police Time Wasters Will be 'Dealt With'
Police in West Yorkshire have warned time wasters in the region they will be found out and dealt with. Officers in Kirklees said they recently issued three people from the same street in Holmfirth with fixed penalty notices following false allegations of crimes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
