Policeman 'beaten up by white officers'

Claims that a black policeman was beaten up by up to 10 white officers are to be investigated by Scotland Yard.

Taiwo Oduntan, 43, a British Transport Police officer for 11 years, said his attackers repeatedly smashed his head on a concrete pavement and that he was left bleeding in a police cell for several hours. He said the officers refused to allow him to receive medical treatment after his arrest in April.

He was released without charge after Metropolitan police officers were called to his home in Northwood, Middlesex, over an alleged assault by him.

The Met's Department of Professional Standards is investigating but none of the officers accused has been suspended. A Scotland Yard spokesman said police were called to the house by neighbours and that Mr Oduntan became violent. "He was seen by medical examiners who found him fit to be detained but unfit to be interviewed until 9am."