Birmingham Police criticise 'Islam plot' appointment

West Midlands Police have criticised the appointment of a former counter terrorism chief to lead an inquiry into 25 Birmingham schools over allegations of a hard-line Islamist takeover plot.

Chief Constable Chris Sims described Peter Clarke's appointment as "desperately unfortunate", adding that "people will inevitably draw unwarranted conclusions from his former role".

Anonymous claims were made in the so-called "Operation Trojan Horse" letter, sent to local authorities in 2013. Birmingham City Council says it has had more than 200 reports over its inquiry.