WEST Midlands Police has launched an investigation after a worker reportedly made racist comments to a Muslim officer.

A national newspaper reported the force's civilian recruitment manager Darren Yates allegedly said PC Tariq Dost "looked like a terrorist" when the officer was dressed in his off-duty Islamic clothing.

A police spokeswoman confirmed an investigation had been launched but would not name the parties involved or confirm the nature of the comments allegedly made.

"We can confirm an investigation is under way into a report by a member of staff which relates to alleged comments made by another member of staff," she said.

Tariq, aged 40, worked as an officer in Manchester for 17 years before joining West Midlands Police two years ago.

The newspaper reported that Yates allegedly said Tariq looked like "a prat" and told another worker: "I'm sorry but he looks like a terrorist."

The paper quoted another civilian worker as saying: "Darren and Tariq were at a recruitment fair in Birmingham and had to set up a stand in the evening.

"Tariq wasn't on duty so he turned up in his Islamic robes. Darren started laughing at him.

"He made out he was laughing at Tariq's trainers but made other remarks to a colleague.

"When Tariq found out, he was horrified someone in such a high role in the police could hold such views.

"Tariq has been working in the police force for 19 years and deserves to be treated with a little more respect."