POLICE investigating the "Plebgate" affair that led to the resignation of former chief whip Andrew Mitchell have asked prosecutors for advice on the next stage of the investigation and the possibility of criminal charges, it has emerged.

Scotland Yard launched the inquiry after claims officers involved in the row may have lied about the dispute with Mr Mitchell when they refused to let him leave Downing Street on his bike in September last year.

It was claimed at the time Mr Mitchell called the officers "plebs". But a Channel 4 investigation cast doubt on that account.

A letter from the Independent Police Complaints Commission to Mr Mitchell said the CPS was considering whether anybody should be charged.