Porn Inquiry Police Will Not Be Prosecuted

Three police officers who were arrested over claims they shared hardcore pornography on their mobile phones will not face criminal charges.

The trio from the unit which protects Downing Street were detained on December 19 last year on suspicion of accessing extreme images.

They were taken to a central London police station for questioning and had their homes searched.

One officer from Metropolitan Police's SO6 Diplomatic Protection Group (DPG) was suspended from duty.

Two others were placed on restricted duties.

The alleged exchange of the pornographic images was reportedly uncovered during the investigation into the Plebgate scandal.

The officers have now been told there will be "no further action regarding criminal matters but they remain subject to a misconduct investigation", said a Scotland Yard spokesman.

A fourth officer, who was interviewed over the accusations in January, was also placed on restricted duties.

A decision has yet to be made by the Crown Prosecution Service regarding criminal charges against that officer.

The alleged images were of an "extreme sexual nature" but do not involve children.

Specialist officers in the Diplomatic Protection Group search visitors heading into Downing Street and New Scotland Yard.

Members of the Government along with former prime ministers and some former government ministers are among those who would be protected by the DPG.

The DPG is also responsible for guarding sensitive sites such as embassies and missions along with the residential protection for visiting heads of state, heads of government and foreign ministers.

It is also involved in surveillance at events which have been identified as high risk and at diplomatic functions or key sites.

These officers also provide specialist counter-terrorism searches at sensitive addresses, major events and crime scenes.

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