We will co-operate fully with the CRE during their investigation

CPS statement

Four CRE commissioners have been appointed to find out if the service has contravened the Race Relations Act.

The investigation followed a report for the commission earlier this year by lawyer Sylvia Denman which found "substantial segregation" along racial lines between two prosecution teams.

The segregation had persisted for several years, the inquiry found.

Transfers sought

The report said: "Evidence was given by several members of staff who had worked in the branch of active hostility from some members of the predominantly white team to black and Asian members of staff, a few of whom were thought to have been left with little choice but to seek transfer."

A statement from the CPS said: "We share the CRE's concern and are anxious to get to the bottom of the problem which was identified in Sylvia Denham's preliminary report.

"We will co-operate fully with the CRE during their investigation."

A report earlier this year commissioned by the CPS found that black and Asian staff in the service were often passed over for promotion despite being well qualified and ambitious.