I won't be bullied into saying sorry to Lord Bramall, says Met commissioner

Britain's most senior police officer has declared that he will not be "bullied" into apologising to Lord Bramall after the D-Day veteran was embroiled in Scotland Yard's inquiry into VIP paedophile allegations.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe refused to say sorry to the 92-year-old, whose home was raided while he had breakfast with his terminally ill wife.

A furore erupted last month when Lord Bramall was told he would face no further action over historic abuse claims almost nine months after he was interviewed under caution as part of the Met's controversial Operation Midland.

After he was cleared, Sir Bernard and his force came under intense pressure to apologise to the former head of the Army.

Appearing at the Commons Home Affairs committee on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner expressed "regret" over the episode but repeatedly refused to apologise.

During one terse exchange, Tory MP Tim Loughton referred to a "media circus" surrounding the case.

Sir Bernard said: "Ah the media circus. If what you mean is that you want me to be bullied into apologising then that won't happen."

Mr Loughton replied: "So you think you're being bullied, do you?"

Sir Bernard said: " I'm asking you whether that's what you think."