Police 'racist assault' inquiry

Northern Constabulary has launched an investigation

A Scottish police force is investigating allegations that one of its senior officers was involved in a racially motivated assault against another employee.

Northern Constabulary in Inverness confirmed that it has appointed a senior officer to investigate the allegations after a complaint was made last Thursday.

In a statement issued on Friday, Deputy Chief Constable Keith Cullen confirmed that an internal inquiry had been launched to examine the circumstances surrounding the complaint.

He also said a report had been sent to the procurator fiscal in Aberdeen.

This complaint indicated that the circumstances which gave rise to this complaint are perceived to be racially motivated

Deputy Chief Constable Keith Cullen

In the statement, DCC Cullen said: "On Thursday 15 February 2001, Northern Constabulary received a complaint from a member of staff which contained an allegation of assault by a officer."

He said the force's internal inquiry would "examine any misconduct issues that may arise from the circumstances connected to this complaint."

"Furthermore, on Thursday 22nd February 2001, the member of staff who made this complaint indicated that the circumstances which gave rise to this complaint are perceived to be racially motivated.

"Given these matters are currently the subject to the continuing inquiries outlined above, it is not possible for any other member of staff of the Northern Constabulary to provide further comment at this time."