19.12.12
Met investigating police misconduct over ‘pleb’ row
New accusations have come to light over ‘plebgate’, which saw Andrew Mitchell resign as chief whip.
The incident took place in September, when Mitchell was reported to have sworn at armed police officers and called them ‘plebs’ when they would not open a gate for him.
A Diplomatic Protection Squad officer was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of misconduct. Channel 4 News has reported that the officer pretended to be a member of the public who had witnessed the row and sent an email to the police.
CCTV footage broadcast by the programme suggests that only the officers involved in the incident were within earshot of Mitchell when he lost his temper. Mitchell has always denied the use of the word ‘pleb’ but admitted to swearing at the officers.
He resigned in October after intense media coverage, but has now called for an inquiry into the claims.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “The allegation that a serving police officer fabricated evidence is extremely serious. It goes to the very heart of the public's trust in the police service.”
It said it was conducting “a thorough and well-resourced investigation to get to the truth of the matter as quickly as possible”.
John Tully, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents officers in the force, said: “The Metropolitan Police Federation unequivocally and categorically refutes any allegation that it was part of a conspiracy to unseat a cabinet minister.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]