Met Police Accused of 'Racial Discrimination'

9 January 2013, 11:39 | Updated: 9 January 2013, 11:42


Stephen Lawrence's brother is taking legal action against Met Police as her claims to have been stopped by officers up to 25 times, just because of his skin colour

35 year old Stuart Lawrence,  alleges officers from Scotland Yard have repeatedly targeted him as part of a sustained campaign of harassment.

The teacher, whose teenage brother was murdered in a racist attack in Eltham 20 years ago, has now consulted lawyers.

He said he was moved to act after he was pulled over by two officers in November while he sat in his VW Scirocco near his home in Peckham, South London.

A letter of complaint has been sent to Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, naming the officers allegedly involved in the latest incident.

Mr Lawrence, who is engaged to be married and has a two-year-old son, says he he feels "angry and frustrated" and believes there has been little progress in the way police deal with black people.

His brother was stabbed to death by a gang  in Eltham, south-east London, in 1993, at the age of 18.

The original investigation into his death failed to solve the case and was dogged by allegations of corruption and racism.

The Macpherson Inquiry later concluded the Metropolitan Police was "institutionally racist".

Only two of the killers have been convicted.

Gary Dobson and David Norris were found guilty by a jury at the Old Bailey last year, after a cold case review team discovered tiny traces of forensic evidence linking them to the murder.

A Scotland Yard spokesman says: "Mr Lawrence's complaint, is a very serious matter and it will be investigated thoroughly and speedily.

"Stop and search is an important tool to combat crime and is supported by the community if it is used professionally and fairly.

"Officers are accountable for their actions and it is therefore essential complaints such as these are fully investigated.

"The Commissioner has made it clear that he will not tolerate any form of racism in the MPS. Strong action will be taken against any individuals in the MPS if they are found to have acted in a racist manner."