The conduct of several police officers is to be investigated by the police watchdog following claims of racism.

The actions of the Northants Police officers will be scrutinised after a complaint was made to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

The complaint was made by a white Briton of South African descent who was arrested for assault and possession of an offensive weapon in August 2005.

He claimed that he was subjected to racial prejudice by the officers.

"The man was unhappy with the way he was treated by officers," an IPCC spokeswoman said.

"Believing that officers held a negative racist stereotype about his ethnic background, he lodged a complaint of racism against Northamptonshire officers."

The matter was referred to the IPCC in November, following the conclusion of court proceedings against the complainant, who has not been named.

Amerdeep Somal, IPCC Commissioner, said: "Allegations of racism are matters of public concern.

"I have therefore decided that this complaint should be scrutinised by the Commission.

"We will be seeking to establish the facts behind the allegations made by this complainant."

The man is from the Abington area of Northampton.