A Banbury policeman has been sacked after misleading the force about the severity of his back condition.

Police Constable Christopher Field was dismissed on Friday following a misconduct hearing.

The officer had been absent from work with extended sick leave but on several dates between December 2014 and March 2015 information came to light suggesting he was fit for duty.

The force said made false and misleading representations about the severity of his back condition.

Deputy Chief Constable John Campbell said: “We obviously recognise the importance of supporting injured officers and do all that we can to support their return to work.

"PC Field was offered such support but did not take advantage of it. Instead he chose to mislead the Force and as can be seen such actions have no place in Thames Valley Police