The Metropolitan Police has suspended nine officers and referred itself to the watchdog following a BBC investigation into Charing Cross station.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it was investigating the behaviour of 11 individuals based at the central London station.

The accusations, which feature in a forthcoming BBC Panorama documentary, include excessive use of force, discriminatory and misogynistic comments, and failing to report or challenge inappropriate behaviour, the police watchdog said.

The allegations were made to the Met by a third party and have since been referred to the IOPC.

The IOPC previously found “disgraceful” behaviour in the ranks at the same police station, including a homophobic, racist and misogynistic Whatsapp group.