Met were right to sack Newham officer, says Biggs

PC Hughes appeared at court alongside PC David Hair in November over allegations following an incident in Newham.

Both were cleared, but PC Hughes was dismissed following an internal investigation.

Mr Biggs, who represents City and East at the GLA, said: "I was deeply troubled that these men who held a position of authority in our community should use such abusive, racist language.

"In November I called on the Met to take internal disciplinary action against the officers and I am glad that they did so.

"In order to gain and retain the respect of London's communities the Met must set the gold standard of behaviour. Today they have sent a clear message - there is no room for racism in the Met."

The Met investigated the claims after the trial and last week decided to dismiss PC Hughes.

Commander Allan Gibson from the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards said: "The commissioner has made it quite clear that racism is not acceptable within the Met.

"This is a view supported by the majority of officers and staff, which has been demonstrated by those who were prepared to challenge PC Hughes."

After a statement from a witness the investigation ruled his colleague had not meant to cause offence.

He received a final written warning.