A POLICE watchdog is calling on officers involved in the original Stephen Lawrence murder inquiry to come forward.

The appeal comes from the Independent Police Complaints Commission which is investigating claims retired Detective Sergeant John Davidson took bribes from the father of one of the suspects during the inquiry.

The BBC documentary The Boys Who Killed Stephen Lawrence was screened last month and prompted the IPCC to launch an independent inquiry.

Former Met officer turned whistleblower Neil Putnam accused Det Sgt Davidson of taking bribes from Clifford Norris, father of suspect David Norris.

Mr Putnam also claimed he reported the 'bribes' to the Met, but it was not investigated. The claims are denied by Mr Davidson and the Met.

Now the IPCC is seeking witnesses in a bid to throw light on the corruption allegations.

The watchdog wants to hear from officers, or people who may have dealt with them, to contact them with relevant information.

IPCC deputy chairman John Wadham said: "I would appeal to anyone who can throw light on these allegations to contact us.

"They may have served in the former south east regional crime squad, worked in the Metropolitan Police or may be a member of the public who dealt with the first inquiry team into Stephen Lawrence's murder, or those accused of bribery."

Stephen Lawrence, 18, was stabbed to death in outside a bus stop in Eltham on April 22 1993.

Five men - Neil Acourt, his brother Jamie, David Norris, Gary Dobson and Luke Knight - were arrested after the initial investigation but were never convicted.

The Macpherson Inquiry into the first investigation concluded in 1999 the police were institutionally racist.

  • The IPCC has set up a special number, 020 7166 3973, and a special email address, for witnesses to contact them.