The family of Stephen Lawrence is suing 42 police officers involved in the bungled investigation into his racist murder.

Scotland Yard said the Metropolitan police commissioner, Sir Paul Condon, was among those being taken to court under the Race Relations Act.

The other officers range from the rank of constable to superintendent, a spokeswoman said.

All were involved in the failed investigation of the April 1993 murder.

The officers, who were told about the claims last week, are being sued under Section 20 of the Race Relations Act, which refers to discrimination on grounds of race.

Some of the officers have left the force.

Yard promises support

The commissioner usually defends such actions on behalf of the officers being sued.

On Tuesday morning Scotland Yard issued a statement which repudiated newspaper claims that some of the 42 would be left to "sink or swim" without the backing of the force.

The statement said: "All of the officers served with the writs have been reassured of the continuing support of the Commissioner in defending these civil claims.

"The Metropolitan Police Service will bear the legal costs for all the officers to defend these actions and meet any damages that may be awarded against them.

"This means that there is no financial vulnerability for any of the officers concerned as there will be no personal liability for any costs which may arise."

Duwayne Brooks, who was with Stephen when he died in Eltham, south-east London, issued writs against 15 officers in August.