Police complaint over Channel 4 doc

West Midlands Police has made an official complaint over "misleading" footage in a documentary about extremism in UK mosques.

Channel 4's Dispatches programme Undercover Mosque, was broadcast in January and purported to show extremist speeches being delivered at mosques in London and Birmingham.

Following an investigation, the West Midlands force found there was no evidence to bring charges against three speakers featured in the documentary. It then probed whether the programme-makers were guilty of inciting racial hatred.

However, detectives concluded there was not enough evidence available and instead have made a formal complaint to broadcasting watchdog Ofcom.

Kevin Sutcliffe, commissioning editor for Dispatches at Channel 4, said: "We are very confident of successfully defending this unfairness complaint against the programme if Ofcom chooses to consider it.

"West Midlands Police have made a very general allegation of unfairness against the programme and have produced no evidence to support their claims. We find it extraordinary that they have gone public on these concerns without discussing them with us first."

He continued: "We believe the comments made in the film speak for themselves - several speakers were clearly shown making abhorrent and extreme comments."

Mr Sutcliffe added: "Channel 4 was fully aware of the sensitivities surrounding the subject matter, particularly its effect on community relations. However, we believe there was a greater public interest in exposing what was being preached in the name of Islam in some mainstream British mosques."

The Crown Prosecution Service has said the footage, which angered many among the country's 1.7 million Muslims, was taken out of context.

CPS lawyer Bethan David said: "The splicing together of extracts from longer speeches appears to have completely distorted what the speakers were saying.

"In this case we have been dealing with a heavily edited television programme, apparently taking out of context aspects of speeches which in their totality could never provide a realistic prospect of any convictions."

It is the latest controversy to embroil Channel 4 which in May was severely criticised by Ofcom for "serious editorial misjudgement" over its handling of a racism row on last year's Celebrity Big Brother.

In July, premium phone regulator Icstis imposed a record £150,000 over the Richard & Judy programme which had asked viewers to telephone to take part in a quiz even though winners had already been chosen.

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