The UK’s police watchdog has apologised after appearing to equate journalists with extremist groups.

The Crime Reporters Association objected to a report on corruption in the Met Police by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary which recommended police officers disclose associations with “journalists and extremist groups”.

The report was produced after an independent panel last year criticised the Met for appearing more concerned with protecting its own reputation than uncovering the truth about private investigator Daniel Morgan in 1987.