Police officer investigated over claims he had sex in a station

The police watchdog has launched an investigation after a serving officer was accused of having sex with a member of the public in a police station.

The incident allegedly took place at Charing Cross police station in central London in February 2016, but only recently came to light during an internal Scotland Yard investigation.

The officer involved was a police constable at the time and allegedly had sex in a room at the station, which is one of the busiest in London and is situated just behind The Strand.

Investigators from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are also examining whether some of the officers’ colleagues were aware of the incident, but failed to report the matter at the time.

Details of the alleged incident emerged when officers from Scotland Yard’s professional standards unit discovered incriminating text messages between some of those involved.

They had been investigating allegations of malicious communication and harassment against a police constable based in Westminster.

In May 2017, the officer was arrested and he was suspended from duties last month.

As part of the investigation, the officer’s mobile phone was analysed and text messages were found relating to another officer allegedly having sex at Charing Cross Police station with a member of the public.

The matter was then referred to the IOPC which began an investigation into the officer and two of his colleagues, who have now been placed on restricted duties.

At this stage three Metropolitan Police officers have been informed that they face gross misconduct proceedings and could be sacked if the allegations against them are proved.

A spokesman for the IOPC said: "The allegations were referred to us by the Metropolitan Police’s (MPS) Directorate for Professional Standards (DPS) after they uncovered mobile phone messages between officers during a separate, internal, investigation.

"We will be examining whether the officers concerned may have breached any professional standards. Three officers have been or shortly will be served with notices to inform them that they are subject to a gross misconduct investigation.

IOPC Regional Director for London Jonathan Green said: “These are very serious allegations. Police officers are expected to maintain high levels of professional behaviour at all times and our investigation will help reassure the public that such matters are dealt with appropriately.

“Our investigators are currently gathering the necessary evidence before interviewing the officers involved.”