Three police from the unit which protects Downing Street are being investigated over claims they shared pornography on their phones.
The Diplomatic Protection Group (SO6) officers were detained on December 19 last year and taken to a central London police station for questioning, Scotland Yard said in a statement.
The alleged exchange of the pornographic images was uncovered during the investigation into the Plebgate scandal, the Times newspaper reported.
“The images identified by the investigation are of an extreme sexual nature, but do not involve children,” Scotland Yard said.
One officer has been suspended from duty. Two others have been placed on restricted duties.
A fourth fourth officer, who was interviewed over the accusations in January, has also been placed on restricted duties.
Their homes have been searched.
The Met Police referred the allegations to the Independent Police Complaints Commission which ruled it should be investigated by the Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS).
The DPS misconduct investigation is on hold while the CPS considers the case.
The misconduct investigation will examine whether the conduct allegedly took place whilst the officers were on or off duty.
Specialist officers in the Diplomatic Protection Group search visitors heading into Downing Street and New Scotland Yard.
Members of the Government along with former prime ministers and some former government ministers are among those who would be protected by the DPG.
The DPG is also responsible for guarding sensitive sites such as embassies and missions along with the residential protection for visiting heads of state, heads of government and foreign ministers, Sky news informs.
