TORTURE claims have been levelled at the Enfield police officers who were suspended in February as part of an investigation by Scotland Yard's anti-corruption team.

The officers have been accused of waterboarding, a controversial CIA technique that simulates drowning.

It is alleged they used the technique on suspected drug dealers during raids in November in which four men and a woman were arrested at two properties in Enfield and Tottenham.

The officers have also been accused of fabrication and misappropriation of evidence.

Police have up until now tried to play down the investigation.

Enfield's borough commander, Adrian Hanstock, told the Independent in March: "We're not talking about Life on Mars style corruption. This is about procedural compliance.

"Corruption is an emotive word. It is uncomfortable to have some questions about the way you do business but that's just a part of showing that we hold ourselves to account just as we hold the public to account."

Detective Chief Superintendent Handstock has not been available for comment this morning although a spokeswoman said a statement would be released later today.

Originally the borough's entire crime squad was effected by the investigation; nine officers were suspended and two were placed on restricted duties on February 17.

On February 23, another officer was suspended.

But by March 3, six of those suspended were back at work, albeit on office-based duties.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) confirmed today it is investigating the conduct and actions of six police officers during the two drugs raids but did not confirm if waterboarding formed part of the inquiry.

"A team of investigators, led by a senior IPCC investigator, continue to investigate this case. So far IPCC investigators have conducted house-to-house enquiries, appealed for witnesses and taken a number of statements," a statement said.

"This is an ongoing criminal investigation and as such all six officers will be criminally interviewed under caution."

None of the officers have been arrested.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard would not discuss the allegations but said they were "serious allegations that raised real concern".

He added: "While the investigation is ongoing it is not appropriate to make assumptions.

"The Met does not tolerate conduct that falls below the standards that the public and the many outstanding Met officers and staff expect.

"Any allegations of such behaviour are treated very seriously."