Police racism claim is suspended

Tarique Ghaffur has previously spoken out on racism in the force

The country's most senior Asian officer has suspended an employment tribunal claim in which he had accused the Metropolitan Police of racism.

The announcement came after Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur met the National Black Police Association and Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.

Scotland Yard said the mediation process between the parties had got "back on track".

It also said mediation would hopefully take place within the next week.

His allegations have included being silenced over concerns against 42-day detention and also being sidelined by Sir Ian in key decisions.

Mr Ghaffur is also said to have complained of being humiliated, undermined and subjugated by the Metropolitan Police.

He is in charge of planning security at the London 2012 Olympics and has spoken out against the police before.

In 2006 he warned that Muslims were being discriminated against as the result of anti-terror legislation.