One of the most senior Muslim police officers in Britain was today accused of two criminal offences over a scuffle in a restaurant.

Metropolitan Police Commander Ali Dizaei, 47, will be charged with misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice.

Dizaei, president of the National Black Police Association, was suspended from the force last September.

The allegations were one of three inquiries under way into the senior officer's conduct.

They followed an investigation by officials the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

The claims are linked to an incident outside the Middle Eastern Yas restaurant in Kensington, south west London, on July 18 last year.

Dizaei, who was wearing his uniform, arrested a young businessman after a row in which he claimed he was poked with the mouthpiece of a hookah water pipe.

It is the second time Dizaei has been accused of perverting the course of justice and misconduct in public office.

He stood trial at the Old Bailey in 2003 after it was claimed he lied about vandalism to his car. He was cleared on both counts.

Solicitor Gaon Hart, of the CPS special crime division, said: "These charges relate to an incident in which Mr Dizaei, in his capacity as a police officer, arrested a man on allegations including assault. A decision not to charge that individual was made by the CPS in August 2008.

"Following an investigation by the IPCC, a file was submitted to me in November 2008. I asked the IPCC to undertake further inquiries and I received the results of those inquiries this month."

Alfred John, chair of the Metropolitan Black Police Association, said the allegations are "outrageous".

He said his friend and colleague was "fully vindicated" in 2003, questioned the motives of his accusers and highlighted the cost to the taxpayer.

Mr John said: "The National Black Police Association and the Metropolitan Black Police Association fully support Commander Dizaei during the course of this prosecution.

"We will call to account those who use the public purse and the law to settle their personal vendettas."