A serving Metropolitan Police sergeant based at Charing Cross Police Station has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, highlighting serious allegations of corruption and misconduct within one of London’s central police units. The incident, which occurred on 2 October 2025, is linked to a broader investigation prompted by revelations from a BBC Panorama documentary that exposed disturbing behaviour among some officers at the station.

According to a statement from the Metropolitan Police, the arrested officer is attached to the Central West Basic Command Unit. The officer was detained by the force’s Directorate of Professional Standards before being bailed and suspended from duty pending further investigation. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which oversees police accountability, has been informed and is conducting a parallel enquiry.

The Panorama documentary, aired shortly after the arrest, revealed undercover footage of officers at Charing Cross making racist and sexist remarks, including inflammatory calls for immigrants to be shot and boasting about the use of physical violence against suspects. Such behaviour has been described by Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley as “reprehensible and completely unacceptable.” In response, Rowley issued an apology and indicated that those involved are likely to face dismissal within weeks. The force is now engaged in a deeper probe aimed at rooting out corruption and removing officers deemed unfit to serve the people of London.

The IOPC has expanded its investigation to cover 11 individuals connected to the station: nine serving Metropolitan Police officers, one former officer, and a serving designated detention officer. Allegations span excessive use of force, making discriminatory and misogynistic comments, and failing to report or challenge inappropriate conduct. The watchdog has gathered a significant quantity of CCTV footage from within the Charing Cross custody suite, which it is meticulously analysing to corroborate the claims and assess the full extent of misconduct.

While one serving officer was cleared of criminal investigation on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, the remaining cases are being pursued as potential gross misconduct. The scandal has led to swift and firm action within the force, reflecting a commitment to rebuilding public trust after these damaging revelations.

Sir Mark Rowley’s public apology and assurances of rapid disciplinary measures come amid increasing scrutiny of the Metropolitan Police, highlighting the challenges the organisation faces in policing fairly and transparently. The ongoing investigations by both the Met’s professional standards unit and the IOPC underscore a critical moment of reckoning for the force, as it seeks to address systemic issues that have allowed such behaviour to surface.

📌 Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services