PCs 'mocked blind Harvey in cruel texts': Eight police officers face probe over 'sick' jokes about Katie Price's disabled son in WhatsApp chat

Eight police officers are being investigated over a WhatsApp group in which they are said to have made 'sick' jokes about Katie Price's disabled son Harvey.

The officers, based at Bexleyheath police station, south-east London, are accused of posting racist and sexist jokes, mocking black suspects and bullying a female employee.

Scotland Yard confirmed that the eight, all based in the same team in the South East Command, were on restricted duties while the investigation was carried out. 

The revelation will come as an embarrassment to Britain's largest force, after recent criticism of its probe into the disappearance of murdered sisters Bibaa Henry, 46, and Nicole Smallman, 27.

The officers, based at Bexleyheath police station, south-east London, are accused of posting racist and sexist jokes, mocking black suspects and bullying a female employee. Pictured, Katie Price with her disabled son Harvey

Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said there was 'much more to be done' to improve trust after their mother, retired archdeacon Mina Smallman, said police made assumptions about her daughters because they were black.

A source said the officers were hauled into a meeting with senior command once the messages came to light in March. 

'They've been putting sick jokes in there, pictures of black criminals, but some of the worst stuff was taking the mickey out of Harvey Price,' they said.

Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said there was 'much more to be done' to improve trust after their mother, retired archdeacon Mina Smallman, said police made assumptions about her daughters because they were black. Pictured, Bexleyheath Police Station

'There are a lot of messages about him, I'm told. These are the people who are supposed to be looking after us and are supposed to be out in these communities.'

Harvey's father is the Trinidadian and Tobagonian former professional footballer Dwight Yorke. 

The 19-year-old is blind and suffers from autism and Prader-Willi syndrome, which causes slow development.

A spokesman from Scotland Yard confirmed that the force's Directorate of Professional Standards was investigating.