A forum to highlight allegations of racist police officers will be formed following a meeting between race campaigners and police representatives, writes Paul Harris.

The Campaign Against Racist Policing held its first public meeting in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, attended by nearly 100 people, including police area commander Supt Cressida Dick.

She said: "Lots of positive ideas and views came out that we will now take forward and work on with the community.

"Racism is a very important issue at the moment and we are listening to what people are saying in this community. We will take these ideas on board." The campaign was formed after black driver Harold McFarlane told how police stopped him in his car more than 20 times in 26 months. The 33-year-old from Emperor Gardens, Greater Leys, Oxford, accused police of racist behaviour following repeated spot checks on his sporty Vauxhall Calibra. Last year, he was charged with threatening behaviour after driving off when he was stopped by an officer, but the case was dropped last month.

He made an official complaint to Thames Valley Police, which is being investigated by the Police Complaints Authority. Campaign member Joe Obhiozele said: "Most people were telling experiences of policing the community. One man said they did not want their children to become members of the police but to become lawyers to fight the police in law.

"They are upset about policing, 'stop and searching' and issues of racial discrimination. "We decided that a team of people, both black and white, will form a co-group to take on the issues that were raised and set up a communication between the police and the community.

"It will provide a forum for police victims to go for support if they need it."

The campaign said it is determined to promote a 'zero tolerance' approach towards racist policing.

Story date: Saturday 17 April

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