Bianca Williams search: Met officers investigated for gross misconduct

Three Metropolitan Police officers are being investigated for gross misconduct over the stop and search of Team GB athlete Bianca Williams.

Ms Williams and Ricardo dos Santos, whose baby son was in the car, say they were racially profiled when they were stopped in Maida Vale, in July 2020.

The couple were handcuffed and separated from their son.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is preparing a final report on the incident.

The three officers were already under investigation for a range of potential breaches of police protocol, including excessive use of force. Three other police officers are also being investigated over the incident.

The Met referred itself to the IOPC after footage of the stop was widely shared, although two reviews by the force's directorate of professional standards have concluded there was no misconduct.

Bianca Williams believes she was racially profiled

The video was originally posted online by former Olympic champion sprinter, Linford Christie, who trains Ms Williams and Mr dos Santos.

Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick has previously apologised for the "distress" caused by the stop.

An IOPC spokesman said: "Three MPS officers are now subject to a gross misconduct investigation for potential breaches of police standards of professional behaviour.

"Our investigatory work has now concluded and preparation of the final report is under way."

Once the report is published, the Met Police will have 28 days to respond.

The IOPC will then decide if the officers should face hearings, which would be carried out by the Met Police.

Portugal sprinter Ricardo dos Santos is preparing for the Tokyo Olympics, as is Ms Williams

The Met said it "continues to fully co-operate with the IOPC investigation".

"No officer is suspended or subject to restricted duties," the force said in a statement.

Both athletes are preparing for the Tokyo Olympics.