PC Steve Bettley of Merseyside Police was suspended after his name featured on an internet list of thousands said to be members of the far-right party.

The list, which was removed from the original blog where it was posted but remains available on other websites, names a number of current and former servicemen, along with ex-policemen.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police confirmed PC Bettley had been suspended and returned home early from holiday to help an investigation into why his name was associated with the BNP.

The Pc was once a driver for the force's chief constable, Bernard Hogan Howe - one of the favourites to succeed Sir Ian Blair as Metropolitan Police chief.

A Merseyside force spokesman said PC Bettley's bosses were keeping an open mind "until the facts around the alleged association have been established".

Officers are banned from joining or promoting the BNP because it would damage race relations, according to the Association of Chief Police Officers.

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