Doreen Lawrence is calling for an open inquiry into the smear campaign allegations  (Reuters)
Doreen Lawrence is calling for an open inquiry into the smear campaign allegations (Reuters)

The mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence has said the alleged smear campaign against her family by police is just "the tip of the iceberg".

Doreen Lawrence said she "wants answers" and an open injury into the claims that an undercover police officer was asked to hunt for "disinformation" to use against the family and others who criticised the police following the teenager's murder in 1993.

Mrs Lawrence was speaking after she met with the home secretary Theresa May to discuss a possible inquiry into the allegations.

Mrs Lawrence described the meeting as "promising" outside the Home Office, but believes only an inquiry held in public will reveal the truth.

She added: "We want it to be open and not behind closed doors, so that we can hear once and for all exactly what was going on after Stephen was murdered.

"Over the years with what we've talked about and how we've been trying to get to the truth around Stephen, I don't think anything can give us that unless it is out in public.

"I think unless we have a public inquiry and go through the whole thing we will never get to the bottom of it.

"I felt sick to the stomach because it was not what I expected. We thought that we'd heard everything.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg now."

The Home Office said that May was "grateful to Doreen and Stuart Lawrence and their representatives for coming to the meeting today".

A spokesperson added: "The home secretary understands that these fresh allegations have only added to the suffering of the Lawrence family.

"She will now reflect on the best and quickest way to get to the heart of all outstanding questions and will speak to the Lawrence family very soon."

May previously confirmed the allegations will be looked at by Operation Herne - a review of alleged police corruption in the original Lawrence inquiry - and a separate investigation led by Derbyshire chief constable Mick Creedon overseen by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Stephen Lawrence's father, Neville, described the move "completely unsatisfactory" and also called for a judge-led inquiry.