Sir Ian Blair to face avalanche of race claims in wake of case brought by Met's most senior Asian officer

The National Black Police Association says that scores of officers, including two chief superintendents from forces round London  -  are set to launch actions based on religion and race.

They are said to have been motivated by Assistant Commissioner Mr Ghaffur's high-profile legal battle claiming race discrimination.

An association source said: "We have seen an increase in referrals and a hardening of resolve by officers to take this course of action, rather than let things slide as they once might have done."

Battle: Met is facing an unprecedented number of race claims following Tarique Ghaffur's (right) impending law suit against Sir Ian Blair

It comes as Ghaffur's lawyer has accused the Met of trying "to force him out" from representing the assistant commissioner in his forthcoming legal showdown with Sir Ian.

Dr Shahrokh Mireskandari claims Scotland Yard is seeking governmental support to have him and Commander Ali Dizaei, the president of the National Black Police Association, which is representing Mr Ghaffur, removed from the case.

The Iranian-born solicitor says the Met will seek a ministerial edict on the grounds that his and Mr Dizaei's handling of the case is undermining the police's authority and is not in the public-interest. Today the Met strongly denied the allegations.

Dr Mireskandari, a partner in the firm Dean & Dean, said: "The Met want me off the case and are going to the very top to force me out. They are in denial about their treatment of Tarique Ghaffur, and feel that he is bringing this case because of the people around him.

"Tarique Ghaffur is not stupid, he is an Assistant Commissioner and he alone has decided to proceed with this tribunal. They are unhappy because we are running rings around them." A spokeswoman for the Met said: "Our position at all times has been that both parties are entitled to choose their legal teams without interference from the other."

Mr Ghaffur, 53, is expected to issue proceedings against the Metropolitan police and Commissioner Ian Blair this week.

Dr Mireskandari said: "It is a massive claim that could destroy the Commissioner and his golden circle."

The police chief is already facing another tribunal brought by Commander Shabir Hussain, who alleges he was passed over for promotion four times, losing out to Sir Ian's "golden circle of white officers".