Essex Police officer sacked for sending 999 caller sexual image

A police officer who sent a "vulnerable" woman a sexual image of himself has been sacked.

The woman was sent the image by the Southend-based officer after she dialled 999.

The officer was suspended by Essex Police in June. The chief constable called his actions despicable.

The officer, who has not been named, admitted contacting the woman with a "view to establishing a personal relationship" with her.

The force said the officer had also accessed police computer records without a policing requirement.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: "This officer's actions were, quite frankly, despicable and such people have no place within the ranks of Essex Police.

"What he did was a betrayal of everything that the police officers and staff of Essex Police stand for and I totally support the decision to sack him.

"I will accept nothing less than the highest standards of behaviour from my officers and staff when it comes to assisting victims."