Senior Muslim officer is promoted

It is Ali Dizaei's fourth attempt to become a chief officer

One of the country's most senior Muslim police officers has been promoted by the Metropolitan Police.

Ali Dizaei is now a Commander and can now join the Association of Chief Police Officers, having previously been a Chief Superintendent.

He was at the centre of a four-year £4m investigation over allegations of perverting the course of justice and misconduct in public office.

He was cleared of the charges by the Old Bailey in 2003.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair apologised for the £4m probe into Commander Dizaei, saying it had caused "considerable damage" within the force.

Commander Dizaei has been an outspoken critic of institutional racism in the service, stop and search and the need for Muslims to help in the fight against terrorism.

This was his fourth attempt to become a chief officer.