A community policeman has been suspended after allegedly impersonating Hitler and goose-stepping around a police station.

Police Community Support Officer Paul Ryan is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police after colleagues claimed they saw him making Nazi salutes at his team's base in Swiss Cottage, North-West London.

The incident took place on July 24 and Ryan was suspended on August 5 after being reported to senior officers.

It is believed he had previously been removed from a role with Kentish Town Safer Neighbourhoods Team after telling a black colleague that it was not wrong to vote for the far-right British National Party.
A Community Security Trust spokesman said: "We thank the police for their prompt actions regarding this officer.

"This would offend not only Jewish people, but many others as well, and there is clearly a need for swift disciplinary investigation into any allegations of this type."

A Camden Police spokeswoman said the incident had taken place on premises not accessible to the public.

She added: "All such allegations are taken very seriously. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."