A policeman in Newham who lied to a misconduct hearing to protect another officer who was his friend has been cleared of gross misconduct.

While giving evidence to the hearing, Pc Denis Kemp admitted lying in his first email account of an incident which had resulted in his colleague being investigated over claims of misconduct.

The panel found on November 17, 2015 he had deliberated lied to exonerate his friend.

On Monday, Pc Kemp attended a two-day misconduct hearing to answer allegations that his conduct breached the Metropolitan Police’s standards of professional behaviour in respect of ‘honesty and integrity’ and ‘discreditable conduct’.

The independent panel at Kemp’s hearing found no breach had taken place and misconduct was not proven.

They made the decision “having carefully considered all the evidence”, a Met spokesman said.