A POLICE officer has today been cleared of attacking a burglar and then trying to cover it up.

A POLICE officer has today been cleared of attacking a burglar and then trying to cover it up.

Sergeant Andrew Jervis, of Suffolk police, was cleared of assault and attempting to pervert the course of justice after a trial at Norwich Crown Court.

The 41-year-old had been accused of attacking Ashley Whitwam with his baton while he was handcuffed at a holiday complex in Lowestoft in March last year.

It was also claimed that Sgt Jervis attempted to cover up the attack by telling fellow officers to omit his involvement in the arrest from their reports.

Whitwam has already been sentenced after he admitted stealing from slot machines at the complex.

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Louisa Pepper said: “We are committed to providing a quality policing service to the people of Suffolk.

“We expect our employees to maintain the highest standards of discipline and integrity at all times and the public has a right to expect that our officers and staff will adhere to these standards.

“Suffolk Constabulary takes complaints and instances of misconduct extremely seriously; any allegation will be investigated thoroughly and swiftly.

“As internal disciplinary proceedings are being considered at this stage, no further comment can be made.”