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A police officer has been sacked after he had a sexual relationship with a vulnerable woman.

PC Sean Ford started seeing the woman, who he had known for several years, after he took a statement from her in connection with a police investigation.

A Dorset Police misconduct hearing at the force's Winfrith headquarters found him guilty of gross misconduct and dismissed him.

He will be placed on the College of Policing's Barred List.

The hearing was told he accepted he was guilty of misconduct and had breached the standards of professional behaviour of authority, respect and courtesy but he denied gross misconduct.

Dep Ch Con Sam de Reya said: "Our officers are duty-bound to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity at all times and it is very disappointing that an officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct."

She said the public deserved "to have trust and confidence in their police force" and hoped the outcome sent out a "clear message" that Dorset Police took misconduct "very seriously".

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) interviewed both parties during a five-month investigation, in which it reviewed computer activity, police logs, emails, and phone downloads.

Regional director David Ford said: "Cases such as these have the real potential to impact on public confidence in the police.

"At the outset of their service, it is made clear to officers that it is inappropriate to have, or seek, personal relationships with members of the public they deal with through their professional duties."

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