Police quizzed over 'water torture'

Independent investigators have launched an inquiry into allegations that detectives "waterboarded" up to five people during questioning following drug raids in north London last November.

Waterboarding is a type of torture in which the victim is immobilised, has rags placed over their face and has water poured onto them, which creates the sensation of drowning.

It became notorious after its use by the CIA on Guantanamo Bay terror suspects.

Sources close to the inquiry said officers are also accused of dunking the heads of suspects in buckets of water during raids.

The claims against the Met officers emerged during an anti-corruption inquiry into officers based at Edmonton police station in Enfield.

Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) officials are examining the conduct of officers during the raids, in which four men and a woman were arrested. They are also investigating a series of claims that key evidence was fabricated and suspects' property stolen.

All of the officers, who include a detective sergeant, could face prosecution if there is enough evidence against them, and ultimately the sack.

Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson has appointed a new borough commander in Enfield as the claims provoked outrage.

Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) member Reshard Auladin, who works as a magistrate in Enfield, said the claims were being "thoroughly investigated", while fellow MPA member Jenny Jones added: "If these accusations are substantiated then serious disciplinary action must be taken against those involved."