A POLICE constable based in Southend has been dismissed from Essex Police after admitting gross misconduct.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge dismissed the officer from his post for breaches of police standards, including honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy, orders and instructions and discreditable conduct.

The officer, who was based at Southend police station at the time of his actions, had been suspended since June after the allegations came to light.

The police officer, who has not been named, contacted a vulnerable victim with a view to establishing a personal relationship.

He had also accessed police computer records relating to the incident without a policing requirement.

The officer later met the victim whilst he was both on and off duty and sent her sexually-suggestive messages.

The officer may appeal against dismissal.