A serving Metropolitan Police sergeant has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice after a BBC Panorama investigation exposed shocking behaviour at Charing Cross police station.
The officer, based at the central London station, was taken into custody on Thursday in connection with an incident linked to the undercover documentary. The Met confirmed the arrest in a statement, saying the sergeant has since been bailed and suspended from duty while inquiries continue.
The arrest comes after Panorama revealed disturbing attitudes among some officers at Charing Cross, where undercover footage captured serving police making racist and violent remarks. Some were heard calling for immigrants to be shot, joking about sexual violence, and bragging about using excessive force. The findings caused widespread outrage when they aired, leading to renewed scrutiny of the Met’s internal culture.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said the arrest was made by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards on Thursday evening. “We have been extremely clear we will be unrelenting in our approach to tackling issues at Charing Cross, and anywhere else across the Met,” he said in a statement.
He added that “internal reporting mechanisms” had helped bring the “fresh matter” to light, stressing that the force remains committed to holding its officers accountable. “We continue to encourage and support all our officers and staff to report allegations of criminal conduct and behaviour so we can act swiftly.”
The BBC’s Panorama team said it had handed the Met a detailed list of allegations after the investigation concluded. In response, the force suspended eight officers and one staff member, while two others were moved away from front-line duties.
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley previously condemned the behaviour uncovered by the programme, calling it “disgraceful, totally unacceptable and contrary to the values and standards” of the force.
The arrest marks the latest blow to the Met as it struggles to rebuild public trust after a string of scandals involving serving officers. The Charing Cross station, in particular, has been under intense scrutiny since earlier investigations exposed a toxic workplace culture marked by misogyny and racism.
Sources close to the investigation say the latest allegation is being treated with the utmost seriousness, though police have not yet released details about the specific incident that led to the arrest. The Directorate of Professional Standards is continuing its inquiries, with oversight from senior leadership.
The Met has faced growing pressure in recent years to clean up its ranks and address systemic misconduct. While Commissioner Rowley has promised “a new era of transparency and integrity,” critics argue that repeated scandals have left lasting damage to the force’s credibility.
For now, the arrested officer remains suspended as the investigation continues. The Met said no further comment would be made while the case is ongoing, but officials have again stressed that misconduct of any kind “will not be tolerated.”
