‘Shock’ over smear claims in Stephen Lawrence inquiry

Mohammed Amran, who was a race relations worker during the Bradford riots in 1995, was a key witness at a hearing of the Macpherson Inquiry in the city three years later.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating allegations that Sir Norman Bettison, the then assistant chief constable of West Yorkshire Police, commissioned a report into Mr Amran shortly before he gave evidence in 1998 criticising the actions of the police.

The IPCC has already said the intelligence gathering appears to have been “both inappropriate and intrusive” and says the investigation should consider whether it was “motivated or influenced by racial discrimination”.

Mr Amran – who was recognised for his efforts following the riots – told Channel 4 News he has “no doubt” it was Sir Norman who ordered the report to be compiled. “It’s clear on the documents,” he said. “And his handwriting is on it, with his name and it was commissioned and for the attention of Norman Bettison.”

The dossier covered a wide range of biographical information, Mr Amran claims.

I’ve done so much with West Yorkshire Police and after 15 years I find out there was intelligence being gathered while I was sitting around a table with them. Mohammed Amran

“They had looked at where my family had come from in Pakistan, when I arrived in the UK, what I did, who I associated with, if I had any criminal background, if I associated with any criminals, or if I had any issues that the police could raise or pick on or use for their own intelligence regarding my background or my associates,” he said.

Mr Amran says he does not believe it is a coincidence the report was commissioned shortly before he gave evidence to the Macpherson Inquiry into the police handling of the death of Stephen Lawrence.

“I think everyone knew I was going to the inquiry,” he said. “And West Yorkshire police knew and Norman Bettison knew, his officers were going to the inquiry. So he wanted enough information on myself. Or tried to find some info that could discredit me before I attended the inquiry. Because the research was done a couple of months before the attendance to the inquiry. And then officers were briefed on the research that was done on me.”

‘Annoyed and upset’

In the years following the Bradford riots, Mr Amran became a commissioner for the Commission for Racial Equality. He worked closely with police on race relations issues.

“I feel annoyed and upset,” he said. “I’ve done so much with West Yorkshire Police and after 15 years I find out there was intelligence being gathered while I was sitting around a table with them.”

Sir Norman – who is also being investigated by the police watchdog over his role in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster – was forced to resign as chief constable of West Yorkshire last year while facing a disciplinary investigation. His lawyer has previously stressed Sir Norman wished to remain in post while the IPCC undertook its investigations. He has denied any misconduct related to the Hillsborough case.

Asked by Channel 4 News about the allegations relating to Mr Amran, his solicitor said Sir Norman did not want to make any comment at this time.

As Sir Norman is no longer a serving police officer, it is not possible for him to face further disciplinary proceedings.

The deputy chair of the IPCC, Deborah Glass, told Channel 4 News she would welcome “careful examination” of any reform to the police misconduct system which prevented officers from resigning or retiring prior to the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings, or which forced them to return.

“I would certainly like to see that very carefully examined,” she said. “And if there’s a way of doing this, then I would like to see that happen, yes.”

But Ms Glass cautioned that it was a complex area and it might not always be in the public interest for police officers to remain in post while they are being investigated.