An Essex Police officer has been dismissed from the force for gross misconduct.

A panel chaired by temporary Deputy Chief Constable Julia Wortley found that PC Mark Smith breached standards of professional behaviour relating to honesty and integrity, duties and responsibilities, and discreditable conduct.

The hearing was told Pc Smith, who was based in the Harlow and Loughton Local Policing Team, attended a disturbance in Harlow on January 10 at which an allegation of rape was made.

Although the officer made an arrest at the scene, he failed to deal with the allegation of rape and subsequently did not follow force policy around the handling of sexual offences.

Pc Smith was today found to have committed gross misconduct following a two-day police misconduct hearing at Basildon Magistrates’ and Family Court.

He was dismissed without notice.

After the hearing, Julia Wortley said: "PC Smith failed to fulfil his duties and responsibilities towards a vulnerable woman who disclosed that she had been the victim of a serious and distressing crime.

"The officer acted without honesty and integrity, which are fundamental values that police officers need to uphold to maintain public confidence'

"The public can be reassured that there is no place in Essex Police for people who breach the standards of professional behaviour in this way."