Metropolitan Police dismisses PC Mason O'Connor after Panorama‑linked hearing
The officer’s removal marks the thirteenth termination linked to the BBC Panorama expose of Charing Cross station officers
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PC Mason O'Connor has been removed from the Metropolitan Police after a disciplinary hearing concluded he breached professional standards. The force announced the decision on 29 July 2026. The dismissal follows a remark he is alleged to have made to a female colleague while they were off duty in a pub in October 2024.
Panorama investigation and previous dismissals
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The case is the thirteenth termination linked to the BBC Panorama undercover film that aired in October 2025. The programme filmed officers at Charing Cross police station and prompted a proactive wider investigation across the service. The Metropolitan Police said the investigation began after the broadcast and has resulted in a series of dismissals.
Details of the alleged comment
The hearing found O'Connor violated standards covering authority, respect, courtesy, equality, diversity and conduct deemed discreditable. The specific remark was not disclosed publicly, but the force said it fell short of the behaviour expected of a police officer.
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Unaired footage of PC Lloyd Hunter
In addition to O'Connor, PC Lloyd Hunter appears in footage that has not been broadcast but was passed to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. In that material Hunter expressed enjoyment of using tasers and stated a dislike for homeless people. The IOPC is reviewing the clip as part of its ongoing inquiry.
"I hope this sends a very clear message about the standards we expect from all our officers and the Met's determination to improve our culture across the organisation,"
Simon Messinger, Met Commander
Met Commander Simon Messinger said the two officers were dismissed for their "appalling comments and attitudes". He added that the Met will continue to support the IOPC investigation and that the action is intended to reinforce the standards expected of staff.
Next steps for the investigation
The IOPC will continue its examination of the Panorama material and may recommend further disciplinary measures. The Metropolitan Police indicated that any additional findings will be dealt with through its internal processes. Residents and staff are advised that the force remains committed to addressing cultural issues highlighted by the investigation.
Questions this report answers
+Why was PC Mason O'Connor dismissed?
A disciplinary hearing found he breached professional standards of authority, respect, courtesy, equality, diversity and conduct deemed discreditable after an alleged off‑duty comment to a female colleague in October 2024. The Metropolitan Police therefore terminated his employment.
+How many officers have been dismissed since the Panorama programme aired?
Thirteen officers, including PC Mason O'Connor, have been dismissed since the BBC Panorama documentary was broadcast in October 2025. The force says each case resulted from the wider investigation triggered by the programme.
+What did the IOPC receive regarding PC Lloyd Hunter?
The Independent Office for Police Conduct received unaired Panorama footage showing PC Lloyd Hunter saying he enjoyed tasering people and expressing hatred for homeless individuals. The IOPC is reviewing that material as part of its ongoing probe.
+What did Met Cmdr Simon Messinger say about the dismissals?
Simon Messinger said the two officers were fired for their "appalling comments and attitudes" and stressed that the force will keep supporting the IOPC investigation. He said the action sends a clear message about the standards expected of all officers.
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