A Metropolitan Police detention officer is to face a gross misconduct hearing later this month over comments made regarding the treatment of people held in custody, the police watchdog has confirmed.

The upcoming hearing is part of the Independent Office for Police Conduct's (IOPC) ongoing investigation into Charing Cross police station, which encompasses 30 officers and staff members in one of the largest inquiries in the organisation's history.

Fourteen of the 15 officers dealt with so far—including three former sergeants—have been placed on the barred list following accelerated hearings. PC Mason O'Connor became the 13th serving officer to be dismissed after a disciplinary panel found he committed gross misconduct.

The panel heard that O'Connor told a female colleague while off-duty in a pub in October 2024 that he hoped she would get raped on her way to Waterloo. Investigators identified the incident after members of the public and former staff responded to a witness appeal following the broadcast of a BBC Panorama documentary, with further misconduct identified from unaired footage provided by the broadcaster.

The undercover documentary revealed racism, misogyny, and officers boasting about violence, with Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley describing the footage as "vile to watch" and containing "incontrovertible evidence".

O'Connor's sacking followed that of PC Lloyd Hunter, who was dismissed after footage showed him trivialising force, stating he would enjoy using violence against the public, and saying he hated homeless people. Met Commander Simon Messinger said both dismissals sent a clear message regarding standards and the force's determination to reform its culture.

IOPC Director of Engagement Amanda Rowe said the watchdog remains appalled by the behaviour uncovered at the station. Investigators are continuing to examine evidence relating to the remaining 15 officers and staff members. I will continue to track the upcoming hearings and report on further outcomes as they are announced.