An Essex police officer has been struck off for behaving in a manner that “fell well below” expected standard and “discredits the police service”.

Pc Michael Rogers has been dismissed following a misconduct hearing overseen by independent chairman, Peter Nicholls, at Harlow Court.

The panel found Pc Rogers’ actions towards an Essex Police employee amounted to misconduct and breached the force’s standards of professionalism.

Pc Rogers was already subject to a final written warning for an unrelated matter before the trial.

Chief Superintendent Sean O’Callaghan said after the hearing: “Pc Rogers’ conduct fell well below the standard of behaviour expected from our officers.

“The officer behaved in a manner both on duty and off duty which discredits the police service, undermines public confidence and does not reflect the moral and ethical standards of Essex Police.

“I would like to reassure the public that incidents such as this are rare and the actions of this individual do not reflect the conduct, professionalism and integrity of the wider force.”