A senior Metropolitan Police officer who used the phrase "whiter than white" faces losing his job for alleged racism and gross misconduct.

The detective superintendent is said to have made the comment in a briefing to colleagues during which he discussed the need to be faultless and above reproach in carrying out inquiries.

But a complaint was made about his choice of words which was passed to the police watchdog for investigation, according to the Evening Standard.

The highly respected officer has been placed on restricted duties while the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigates and has reportedly been warned the inquiry may take up to 12 months to complete.

He is attached to Scotland Yard’s anti corruption squad, the Directorate of Professional Standards.