Four officers ‘could still be charged’

FOUR police officers involved in the original investigation into Stephen’s murder could face criminal charges after a misconduct probe, it was claimed yesterday.

The detectives, who have since retired, could face charges for misconduct in public office, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, The Sunday Times reported.

The newspaper claimed that any charges could be related to negligence rather than corruption. A four-year investigation by the National Crime Agency into alleged police corruption during the murder hunt has entered a new ‘operational phase’ and its officers are preparing to interview serving and former police officers and staff involved in the original inquiry. A spokesman refused to confirm or deny if any officers could be charged.

Sarah Green, of the Independent Office for Police Conduct, said: ‘This investigation, undertaken on our behalf by the National Crime Agency, is comprehensive. It’s not over and there are lines of inquiry that remain for us to pursue.’