Met officers facing probe over 'offensive Whatsapps shared with Couzens' still on duty

1 October 2021, 18:13 | Updated: 1 October 2021, 18:16

Several Met police officers are facing an investigation into allegations they shared misogynistic, racist and homophobic texts with killer cop Wayne Couzens months before he raped and murdered Sarah Everard.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the conduct of five officers over allegations they sent discriminatory messages over WhatsApp.

The officers are alleged to have shared misogynistic, racist and homophobic material with Couzens months before he killed Ms Everard.

Two are still on restricted duty, the Met confirmed on Friday. A spokesman said the force would not comment on the scope of those restrictions.

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The IOPC said two of the Met officers and a former met officer were facing a criminal investigation over grossly offensive material sent between March and October 2019.

Three of the officers under investigation are serving officers working for the Met, one is from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and another works for Norfolk Constabulary, according to the Times.

The IOPC is also investigating allegations that officers from several forces breached professional standards when they used a messaging app to share information connected to the prosecution of Couzens.

As many as 16 serving or former police officers are believed to be under investigation.

Lord Stevens told LBC today: “The vetting process is obviously not fit for purpose, and this needs all to be changed.”

"It’s an extraordinary story of blunders."