Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe has this afternoon given a message to all police officers following what he called “apparent racist remarks and an alleged assault” by two officers in Newham.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe has this afternoon given a message to all police officers following what he called “apparent racist remarks and an alleged assault” by two officers in Newham.

He gave the message to officers and staff in an internal broadcast. It was also placed on the Met Police website.

One officer has been suspended after he was allegedly recorded abusing a 21-year-old Beckton man with a racial slur.

A colleague has been placed on resricted duties following a claim that he assaulted a 15-year-old boy.

The two incidents have triggered a review by the Crown Prosecution Service into their initial legal advice that neither officer should be charged.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has concluded two investigations into the incidents and has submitted a report to the MPS Department for Professional Standards this morning.

He said: “Today I want to speak to you about one subject. I’m sure that you’ve all been as shocked as I have been about the recent reports of apparent racist remarks and alleged assault by some officers in Newham in August of last year. Even so, I wanted to take this opportunity to clearly and categorically reiterate that there is no place for racism in the Met.

“I know that the Met has changed greatly over the years, and most of you have directly been involved in improving our relationship with all Londoners and those who visit us. Unfortunately just one alleged incident like this can be very damaging to public confidence.

“This is a great organisation - one we should all be proud to work for. Without pre-judging this case, in any instance of wrong-doing it is a small few who tarnish the vast majority.

“What we have heard over the last few days is of course completely at odds with all the close work that goes on with communities across London every day. We work hard to forge strong relationships with people who can advise us and rightly hold us to account.

“I want us all to go out there and remind those communities of our commitment to fairness and professionalism. We have a duty to challenge or report any behaviour by colleagues which is less than the high standard demanded by the service and Londoners themselves. You cannot avoid that duty. Nor can I. I will not stand for any racism or racists in the Met.”