Police watchdog to launch 2nd Forest Gate probe

LONDON, July 11 (Reuters) Britain's independent police watchdog said it would launch a second probe into the controversial anti-terrorism raid in Forest Gate, east London last month.

More than 250 officers took part in the anti-terrorism operation at two neighbouring houses on June 2 after police received intelligence of a chemical bomb at the property.

Two suspects were arrested, one of whom was shot in the shoulder when 35 officers stormed their house. However both were released without charge after no device was found and police have since apologised for the ''hurt'' caused.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has already begun an inquiry into the shooting of Mohammed Abdul Kahar and said yesterday it would also examine allegations from neighbours in the next door house.

The new inquiry will focus on the neighbours' claims they were assaulted by officers during the raid, the BBC reported.

''The IPCC can confirm that it has received a complaint from the occupants of number 48 Lansdown Road and is conducting an independent investigation in relation to this,'' the watchdog said in a statement.

''This investigation is separate from the IPCC's investigation into the discharge of a police firearm during the raid at number 46 Lansdown Road, although it is being conducted by the same investigation team.'' REUTERS PDS RAI0420