FILE - In this May 17, 2011 file photo, Andrew Mitchell arrives at Downing Street, London. Mitchell, who resigned from a government post over allegations that he used derogatory remarks against police officers called on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012 for a full inquiry into the dispute amid new claims that police fabricated the evidence. Mitchell quit as the government's chief whip in September after he was accused of swearing at police officers who stopped him from wheeling his bicycle through the Downing Street gates. (AP Photo/PA, Yui Mok, File) UNITED KINGDOM OUT, NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE
December 19, 2012 - 2:48 AM
LONDON - London's police force says it is investigating "exceptionally serious" allegations that an officer fabricated claims against a government minister who was forced to resign over a run-in with police.
Andrew Mitchell quit government after he was accused of swearing at officers who stopped him riding his bicycle through the Downing Street gates in September. Mitchell admitted swearing, but denied hurling the insulting word "pleb" at the officers.
Last week a police officer was arrested for allegedly leaking details of the episode to the media. Channel 4 News has claimed the officer falsely pretended to be a member of the public who had witnessed the altercation.
The Metropolitan Police said Wednesday that "the allegation that a serving police officer fabricated evidence is extremely serious" and would be thoroughly investigated.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012