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The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has started an independent investigation into allegations regarding the conduct of a serving and two former Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers arising from the Stephen Lawrence Independent Review undertaken by Mark Ellison QC.

The IPCC will investigate allegations of discreditable conduct and breaches of honesty and integrity on the part of Commander Richard Walton. The allegations are that during the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry in 1998, Commander Richard Walton (then an acting Detective Inspector) met with an undercover officer and obtained information pertaining to the Lawrence family and their supporters, potentially undermining the Inquiry and public confidence. It is also alleged that Commander Walton provided inconsistent accounts to Mr Ellison's review team regarding his actions. 

The IPCC will also investigate allegations of discreditable conduct on the part of two former MPS officers, then Detective Inspector Robert Lambert and Commander Colin Black, who were both identified in the review as having played a part in facilitating the meeting with the undercover officer.

IPCC Deputy Chair, Sarah Green said:

"Mark Ellison's review highlighted a number of extremely serious matters which strike at the heart of public confidence in the police. Following the review, I asked the MPS to consider whether the conduct of any officers or former officers should be recorded and referred to the IPCC. Having now received referrals in relation to all three of the above officers, and in view of the seriousness of the matter and the significant public interest, I have determined the IPCC should conduct an independent investigation. I have notified Mr Lawrence and Baroness Lawrence of this decision."