Two police officers have been arrested over allegations that they took "non-official and inappropriate" photos at a murder scene.

The allegations relate to the crime scene in Fryent Gardens, Wembley, where sisters Bibaa Henry, 46, and Nicole Smallman, 27 were murdered.

The women were reported as missing to police when they did not return home and were found stabbed to death on Sunday, June 7. Detectives believe they were killed in the early hours of Saturday, June 6.

Following reports that police took non-official photos at the crime scene, two officers - who are based on the North East Command Unit which covers Waltham Forest and Redbridge - were arrested on Monday (June 22) by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on suspicion of misconduct in public office. They have since been bailed to return pending further enquiries.

They have also been suspended from duty.

Met Police said it was told of the allegations last Wednesday (June 17). It referred the case to the IOPC, which is now conducting an investigation.

Commander Paul Brogden said: “I am horrified and disgusted by the nature of these allegations; a sentiment which will be shared by colleagues throughout the organisation. If true, these actions are morally reprehensible and anyone involved will be robustly dealt with. I am limited in terms of being able to comment further about the matter at this time in order not to compromise the IOPC investigation.

“Senior representatives from the MPS and the IOPC visited the parents of Bibaa and Nicole to inform them of these serious allegations and confirm that it is now subject to an independent investigation with full co-operation from the MPS. This deeply disturbing information will no doubt have created additional trauma for a family who are already grieving the devastating loss of two loved ones. I can only start to imagine the impact of this; and I’d like to sincerely apologise to them for this further burden.

“I know that the wider community will share our shock and repulsion at these allegations and whilst our focus remains with Bibaa and Nicole’s family we are also listening to the concerns our communities and key stakeholders will want to raise about these allegations.”

The IOPC is also considering the actions of police when the women were reported missing.