The head of Scotland Yard said she is "dumbfounded" and "appalled" by "shocking" allegations that two police officers took "inappropriate" photographs of a double murder scene.
Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46, are believed to have been stabbed to death by a stranger on June 8 at Fryent Country Park, off Slough Lane, in Wembley, north west London. The suspect is still at large.
Last Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police’s Directorate of Professional Standards was informed that "non-official and inappropriate" photographs had been taken by police at the crime scene.
Two serving officers were arrested by the Independent Office for Police conduct on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.
Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said: “My heart goes out to the family.
“In relation to the allegations about a photograph – I am dumbfounded. I am appalled.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is dealing with the matter, Scotland Yard confirmed on Thursday.
The commissioner said: "I don’t know all the details but if it is as it appears to be then it is shocking. It is disgusting and the whole of the Met would condemn what has happened here.
"If those officers’ actions have added to the families’ unimaginable distress, then I apologise from the bottom of my heart."
Dame Cressida Dick was asked if she accepted criticism that there may have been an element of institutional racism in the police response to the double murder.
She said: "This is a horrible, horrible double murder of two beautiful young women. My heart goes out to their family. It is just appalling. We are doing everything we can to bring the people or persons to justice for this.
"We have an enormous investigation, very well resourced and using all the expertise not just in London but all across the country and beyond.
"I am determined that we bring the killer to justice as soon as possible."
She added: “I know of course that the IOPC are dealing with a complaint from the family in relation to the early hours after the girls were reported missing. I will wait to see what that shows.”
The officers, who are based on the North East Command, were bailed pending further enquiries and have been suspended from duty.
Commander Paul Brogden said: “I am horrified and disgusted by the nature of these allegations; a sentiment which will be shared by colleagues throughout the organisation.
"If true, these actions are morally reprehensible and anyone involved will be robustly dealt with."
He added: "This deeply disturbing information will no doubt have created additional trauma for a family who are already grieving the devastating loss of two loved ones.
"I can only start to imagine the impact of this; and I’d like to sincerely apologise to them for this further burden."
