ONE of the borough’s most senior police chiefs has been dismissed for gross misconduct after he was found to have “put the public at risk” by speeding about in a police car without having the right qualifications.

Chief Inspector Andrew Du, based at Central North Command Unit that covers Islington and Camden, faced a disciplinary hearing that concluded on Monday.

Three allegations were proved against him – including that he drove a high performance police car putting on the sirens and lights without authorisation. He had “misrepresented” his driving qualifications to his colleagues and managers by saying he was qualified to drive the “area car” – a high-performance police car – when he just had basic driver status.

Ch Insp Du also told his colleagues he had previously been posted to the Met’s firearms command when he had never served in that team in any capacity.

Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Central North area, said: “Chief Inspector Du’s actions fell far below the standard people rightly expect from Met officers.

“Londoners need to be able to trust that officers are qualified to carry out their roles safely and in accordance with training. Leaders in the Met must uphold the highest standards and lead by example.”]

Ch Insp Du was found to have breached police standards of professional behaviour relating to honesty and integrity, orders and instructions, and discreditable conduct.

It amounted to gross misconduct and was so serious as to justify his immediate dismissal.

He will be placed on the barred list held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, and a number of other policing related bodies.