A TOP police officer arrested on suspicion of a sexual offence has been rebailed.

Chief Inspector Ben Hodder, the district commander for Thurrock, was arrested on May 8.

He answered bail today and was rebailed until September, pending further enquiries.

Mr Hodder has been temporarily removed from his post as the borough's district commander.

Leigh Norris has stepped in as acting chief inspector while the investigation continues.

Last week, a police spokesman confirmed a man had been arrested in connection with an investigation into a sexual offence.

Mr Hodder had been a prolific Twitter user, but has not posted any messages since May 8.