No Evidence MET Smeared Lawrence Family

An investigation into Scotland Yard moles has found there's no evidence undercover officers were involved in smearing Stephen Lawrence's family.

Chief Constable, Mick Creedon, who is leading Operation Herne, an investigation into the activities of officers from the Met's now-defunct Special Demonstration Squad, told MPs there is no evidence to support the allegations undercover officers sought information to smear the family of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence.

Appearing at the Home Affairs Select Committee, he said:

"There is nothing in Operation Herne which suggests any attempt whatsoever to do two things. Firstly to be tasked against the Stephen Lawrence family, and secondly to besmirch the Stephen Lawrence family."

Stephen's parents Neville and Doreen have called for a public inquiry to be held into the claims, which they believe is the only way to get to the truth.

Today Home Secretary Theresa May indicated that she would back such a probe, if it was supported by lawyer Mark Ellison QC who is currently leading a review of allegations of police corruption in the original investigation into Stephen's death.

He told MPs last week that he is unsure whether a full public inquiry will be necessary.

Mr Creedon, who is Chief Constable of Derbyshire Police, also revealed that Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe was aware that there were references to the Lawrence family in undercover police files before the smear claims were made public.

Former undercover officer Peter Francis claimed that officers from the SDS were tasked to try to find information to use against the family.

Mr Creedon said:

"The allegations of attempts to smear the family are not what the Commissioner was aware of. The Commissioner was made aware that there had been covert departments which in a sense made reports on Stephen Lawrence, that's very different to attempts to smear the family."