Eight Brit police officers suspended pending racism inquiry

London, Apr 6 (ANI): UK's Metropolitan Police has suspended eight officers and a civilian staff member after complaints of racism were filed against them.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating complaints of racism against the force.

Earlier, the Met said an acting sergeant and two police constables (PCs) based in Newham had been suspended over a claim of racist abuse after last year's London riots, The BBC reports.

The force has now said a further seven complaints are being investigated and five more officers have been suspended.

Deputy Commissioner Craig Mackey said the Met "does not tolerate racism".

In total, 20 officers are being investigated in relation to the 10 claims of racism.

Mackey said the force had referred all 10 cases to the IPCC, including four cases, which were re-referred after the watchdog recommended they should be locally investigated.

The IPCC has begun a formal investigation into the allegations relating to the officers from Newham.

The cases under investigation cover a range of areas including Westminster, Wandsworth and Islington and two go back as far as 2010.

Deputy Commissioner Mackey said: "Any use of racist language is abhorrent." (ANI)