Watchdog is divided over Ghaffur axe

The Metropolitan Police Authority is divided over Sir Ian Blair's decision to strip race row police chief Tarique Ghaffur of his duties, it emerged today.

Several leading members of the body criticised the Met chief 's actions and accused the force of "bullying and harassment". But others condemned the Assistant Commissioner's behaviour and fully backed Sir Ian's decision.

Britain's most senior Asian officer was "temporarily relieved" of his command in charge of Olympics security and central operations at Scotland Yard yesterday.

Peter Herbert, MPA member and chairman of the Society of Black Lawyers, said he was "astonished" by the decision. He said: "The message to black and minority police officers is ... your presence will not be tolerated if you for one moment are seen to step out of line."

But several MPA members felt Sir Ian had no option. Green member Jenny Jones said: "I've been furious with Tarique's behaviour on this. He's been very undignified so I think it's a perfectly reasonable thing to do. Sir Ian made the right decision."

One member, who asked not to be named, suggested the Met chief should have gone further and suspended Mr Ghaffur. Boris Johnson has also backed Sir Ian's decision.