Police chief defends race record

Sir Ian rejected the claims from Mr Hussain as "inconceivable"

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has denied he blocked the promotion of a high-ranking Asian officer.

Sir Ian Blair told the employment tribunal in Stratford, east London, the suggestion was "inconceivable".

Commander Shabir Hussain claims he was repeatedly overlooked for promotion in favour of white candidates.

The 45-year-old alleges racial discrimination against Sir Ian, the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) and its chairman Len Duvall.

'Extraordinary aberration'

Mr Hussain said his application to become deputy assistant commissioner (DAC) was rejected an unprecedented four times, despite it being better than other candidates'.

But Sir Ian told the hearing: "It is inconceivable that I would seek to block the promotion of a senior ethnic minority officer and any suggestion to that effect would be seen as an extraordinary aberration.

"I refute it totally."

Mr Hussain joined the force in 1983 and is currently responsible for aviation security and roads policing.

He also has national policy responsibility for road death and collision investigation.

Mr Hussain alleges that his four attempts to become DAC failed due to "unfair treatment in terms of race".

The hearing continues.

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