A lesbian policewoman who hanged herself left a four-page suicide letter accusing colleagues of homophobia, The Sun newspaper has reported.

Lara Goldie, 28, claimed staff at the Metropolitan Police's Hendon training college were prejudiced against her because of her sexuality.

The student officer is also believed to have referred to her colleagues at Haringey police station, North London, where she started work in April after graduating from the Hendon college.

The Metropolitan Police Directorate of Professional Standards has now launched an inquiry into her death.

They will quiz both her colleagues and Hendon staff over her allegations.

But Met sources stressed that all vehemently denied being homophobic towards Lara.

They also pointed out that she had not made any complaints of homophobia before her death.

Lara's body was found hanging at her home in Hackney, East London, at 10.30am on Sunday by a neighbour.

It is understood she recently moved there after splitting up from a long-term girlfriend.

Much of her letter outlined the recent personal problems in her life. But one paragraph singled out colleagues for their treatment of her.

A Met spokesman said: "Her death is not being treated as suspicious. It is tragic that a young officer has died.

"At this sad and difficult time, our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues."

Last night one Hendon source said: "There is a palpable sense of shock that anyone has been accused of homophobia.

"Once the police had a reputation for being homophobic and racist. But we have moved on a lot since then.

"The Met has been in the forefront of promoting equal opportunities and cracking down on prejudice.

"If anything, the main complaint we have these days is that we are too focused on minority rights."