IPCC oversees Met expenses probe

Independent investigators will oversee an inquiry into claims corporate credit cards were misused by Metropolitan Police (Met) detectives.

The force is trying to track down £4.7m in "unreconciled" expenses amid claims employees misused the cards.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will now oversee the inquiry into their use.

Two detectives arrested on suspicion of theft in connection with the inquiry remain on bail.

Further arrests

Deputy Commissioner Paul Stephenson has warned further arrests could be made as anti-corruption investigators uncover the scale of misuse.

The investigation will continue to be carried out by officers at the Met's directorate of professional standards.

The IPCC will focus on whether any criminal or disciplinary offences have been committed.

The force has brought in auditors to go through company paperwork as senior officers insisted only a small number of officers were involved in misconduct.

Deborah Glass, of the IPCC, said: "The investigators will also be asked to recommend whether there needs to be any changes in police policy or practice to help prevent a recurrence of any alleged misuse."