CAMPAIGNERS dumped 1,071 “bad apples” outside Scotland Yard this morning to highlight the scale of abuse allegations involving Metropolitan Police officers. 

Charity Refuge said the apples reflect the number of officers who have been, or are currently, being investigated over allegations of domestic abuse or violence against women and girls. 

The stunt comes in the wake of the conviction of former Met officer David Carrick after he pleaded guilty to dozens of rapes and sexual offences against 12 women this week. 

The force ignored eight warnings about his behaviour, with senior officers even promoting Mr Carrick despite allegations of abuse being made against him over two decades. 

Refuge CEO Ruth Davison has called for root and branch reform of the police, asking “how many more bad apples” will come to light. 

The apples, which were dumped on Friday morning, are made out of plastic and painted to look as if they are rotting. 

Ms Davison said: “This is not one bad apple; this is a systemic problem across policing.

“How have these perpetrators of abuse been allowed to enter and remain in positions of power for so long? 

“What happens next must change the culture of policing for good. A force which breeds violent misogyny is not a force which can even begin to protect women and girls.  

“Unless radical change to the way the policing system works across the country happens immediately, then women and girls will remain unsafe, and they will not have the confidence to come forward and report the violent crimes committed against them. 

“That is why Refuge is outside New Scotland Yard today.” 

Following Mr Carrick’s exposure as one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders, it has emerged that he faced complaints about his behaviour before joining the police 22 years ago. 

The ex-cop humiliated his victims, calling one “slave,” and using sexual violence to degrade them. 

MPs are calling on the Met and government to sack officers who took no action against the serial rapist over his 20-year policing career. 

The force has faced growing allegations of misogyny and sexism within its ranks, prompted by a series of horrific scandals including the murder, rape and abduction of Sarah Everard by a serving Met officer and the police watchdog’s investigation into Charing Cross station. 

Former Met commissioner Dame Cressida Dick prompted outrage when she said the force has an “occasional bad ’un” following the conviction of Ms Everard’s murderer Wayne Couzens, dismissing claims the force has a systemic problem with sexism. 

Earlier this week MPs, including home affairs select committee chairwoman Diana Johnson, argued that the police is “institutionally sexist.” 

The Met said it was aware of the protest outside Scotland Yard. 

The force said in a statement that it is reviewing the cases of Met officers and staff accused of domestic abuse or sexual offences over the last 10 years. 

“This will include a very wide range of allegations from verbal arguments and altercations in a domestic or family setting to the most serious sexual offences,” it continues.

“It could include cases where no further action was taken and where no criminal allegations were made.”
 
It is estimated that the review will consider 1,633 cases involving 1,071 officers and staff.

The Met added that officers having cases forming part of the review “is not in itself a finding of wrongdoing.”