The Metropolitan Police is investigating an allegation of racism against its officers in Redbridge.

Claims were made by Twitter user @PsykoUK about an alleged incident on August 29.

He tweeted he was “unlawfully detained, racially abused and physically assaulted” after an argument with a Transport for London (TfL) ticket inspector on a bus in Redbridge.

He added he had video of a police officer saying “people like me have the mental capacity of an animal”. The footage has not been made public.

Redbridge police (@MPSRedbridge) replied to @PsychoUK’s allegations on Twitter, writing: “@PsykoUK would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter. Ring 101 and leave contact details for GPC Redbridge.”

And today legal firm Waterfords Solicitors confirmed a “formal complaint” had been lodged with the Metropolitan Police and TfL on behalf of their client, @PsykoUK

A spokesman for the force said: “We can confirm that we are aware of an incident and are investigating. At this early stage it would inappropriate to comment any further.”

It is unclear where precisely where the incident took place and @PsykoUK’s real name has not been confirmed.

A TfL spokesman said: “We take complaints against our staff extremely seriously.

“We are aware of this incident and are currently carrying out an investigation into what happened.”