Met faces claim of Muslim racism

The Metropolitan police are being threatened with an £8m legal claim over allegations that they discriminate against the Middle Eastern community in Britain’s richest area.

One of the leading firms of Middle Eastern lawyers in London has filed an official complaint over the lack of police action when crimes are reported by Muslims.

Sir Ian Blair, new head of the Metropolitan police, has agreed to investigate the allegations made primarily against officers in Kensington and Chelsea, west London.

However, the police may still face an embarrassing legal case at a time when they are trying to win over the community whose assistance is critical in the fight against terrorism.

Sunday Times, 13 March 2005