Police force accused of racism

Pinder Singh joined Northumbria Police four years ago

An Asian police officer working on Tyneside has accused senior officers of racism.

Pinder Singh, who has been a sergeant with the Northumbria force for four years, is one of three officers taking their employers to an employment tribunal.

Mr Singh says he was the victim of racism when he applied to join Northumbria's special investigations unit (SIU).

On Thursday an employment hearing in Newcastle was given preliminary details of the case, which may not be concluded until summer 2003.

'Thoroughly investigate'

Another sergeant and a police constable have also lodged claims against Northumbria Police.

The force has refused to comment directly on any of the cases while they are ongoing.

Although a spokesman said: "We take matters of discrimination seriously, and thoroughly investigate any complaints brought to our attention."

Part of Mr Singh's claim is that he was offered an SIU placement of only a few weeks, while other officers were offered a year.

He says that when he complained to senior officers, he became the subject of a complaint himself relating to allegations of false annual leave documents.

Mr Singh is now serving at Whickham police station in Gateshead, although the alleged incidents took place at another station.

Northumbria Police says it is meeting its current target for "ethnic background" recruitment, and is on course to meet its long term target for 2009.