Scotland Yard missing cash claims

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The Met's professional standards watchdog has launched a review of spending on American Express cards issued to staff.

According to the News of the World, up to £6 million is unaccounted for and anti-corruption officers are preparing to check the records of hundreds of detectives.

There are claims that cash has been lavished on luxury watches, flatscreen TVs and holidays.

A spokesman for the Yard confirmed that two of the force's detectives had been arrested last month on suspicion of theft in connection to the probe.

"The Director of Professional Standards is currently conducting a review around the issue and usage of the Met's American Express cards," he said.

"Any alleged criminality that is uncovered will be dealt with robustly. We have a comprehensive plan to recover any money that is outstanding."

Concerns over financial controls on the cards were first raised by the Met Police Authority (MPA)'s internal auditors. However, there is understood to be widespread anger within the MPA that top brass, including Sir Ian, reacted "slowly" to warnings.

A source said officers were being given cards without proper instructions on what they could be used for and what records were needed, and mistakes were made as a result.

The controversy comes as the clamour for the Commissioner to step down over the Stockwell tragedy continues to grow. An Independent Police Complaints Commission report into the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes criticised Sir Ian personally last week for holding up its investigation.