Asian race row police chief Tarique Ghaffur now faces divorce battle

But she has told friends that she will not accept the split and will fight any such move.

The Assistant Commissioner, who is embroiled in one of the largest racial discrimination cases to be brought against the Met, could now face a second legal battle.

At odds: assistant commissioner Tarique Ghaffur wants a 'no fault' split from wife Shehla. She will not agree

It is believed Mr Ghaffur has formally asked his wife Shehla, 42, a primary school teacher, to agree to a no fault divorce on the grounds that the marriage has "irretrievably broken down" as the couple have been living apart for two years.

Mrs Ghaffur, his second wife with whom he has two teenage children, is said to have been notified of the request this week.

She lives in Manchester with their children, where Mr Ghaffur began his policing career and rose through the ranks before moving to London as Britain's most senior Muslim officer. But his marriage has run into trouble after he developed a friendship with Rubina Haider, a 44-yearold mother-of-two.

He has become increasingly close to the divorcée since beginning the friendship about a year ago. The pair have been seen in public with Mr Ghaffur taking Ms Haider to official engagements and posing for photographs with her at an Asian awards ceremony.

Close: Tarique Ghaffur with Rubina Haider, who he has taken to official engagements

Ms Haider is a department store sales assistant who lives in southwest London. A friend of Mrs Ghaffur said: "Shehla doesn't want to divorce him for the sake of the kids.

"She has been loyal to him and supported him throughout his career. She hopes he will come back to her and the children."

The friend added: "Tarique is trying to get her to divorce quietly. He can't risk the bad publicity, especially at a time like this. He's already been divorced once."

Mr Ghaffur is in contact with his wife and children, making regular visits to the family home in Manchester.

It is understood Mr Ghaffur had expressed a desire to return to Manchester after he retired.

There is no suggestion Mr Ghaffur's divorce is linked to the case he has brought against Sir Ian Blair.

Mr Ghaffur has filed a multi-million pound claim against his employers on the grounds he has been treated less favourably than other officers as he is Muslim and Asian.

He also alleges Scotland Yard refused to extend his contract beyond a year as he is over 50.

Mr Ghaffur issued a press statement this afternoon which said: 'I refer to the recent press report that I am currently involved in divorce proceedings.

'I would ask the media to respect the privacy of my family, those close to me and myself in relation to this specific matter.

'This is a very personal family matter that has no bearing in relation to my ongoing case against the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.'