KENT Police has admitted racism after twice rejecting a job application from a Pakinstani man.

The admission was made to an Ashford employment tribunal inquiring into the case of Shujaat Husain who had applied to the force for a job in 1999 and again in 2000.

Mr Husain had previously worked as an intelligence officer for the Pakistani police force.

The discrimination came to light when Mr Husain, now living in South London, applied for a job at another force.

It transpired that Kent Police had written to the other force advising that Mr Husain’s application was possibly fradulant - an allegation now withdrawn. This advice was based on inconsistancies within Mr Husain’s two applications to Kent.

Kent Police are to pay £65,000 in compensation to Mr Husain. In a statement the force said: "Kent Police has apologised to Mr Husain who unsuccessfully applied for a job with the force six years ago, admitting that his rejection and the actions that followed were a result of direct racial discrimination.

"The force recognises that administrative processes were not adhered to and errors were made. The Chief Constable (Mike Fuller) has already commissioned Kent Police Professional Standards Department to carry out a thorough review, which will now take into account the tribunal’s findings.

"Kent Police is totally committed to eradicating discrimination on race or any other grounds."