A Hampshire police officer has been barred for sending racist and offensive WhatsApp messages to colleagues in a group chat when he worked in Dorset.

Police Constable Jack Thrumble made the comments about a dating app while he was a Special Constable at Dorset Police.

In 2022, Dorset Police referred his behaviour to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) - sparking their investigation which uncovered the offensive messages.

IOPC Regional Director David Ford said: “The messages PC Thrumble sent were offensive and racially discriminatory.

“Behaviour of this nature can seriously undermine public confidence in policing.

“The outcome of this hearing makes clear that the use of offensive language is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

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The IOPC investigation saw accounts obtained from police officers and a review of mobile phone downloads, relevant legislation and force policies.

It concluded in October 2023 and found that the former PC had a case to answer for gross misconduct.

His employer at the time, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, were advised and arranged a misconduct hearing.

This took place at the force's Eastleigh headquarters on Wednesday last week, where it was found that he had breached the standard of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy, equality and diversity and discreditable conduct.

The panel concluded that he should be dismissed.

Mr Thrumble will also be placed on the police barred list, preventing him from working as a police officer again.