A serving police officer was suspended yesterday in connection with “serious allegations that include unlawful access and sharing of police information”, a police spokesman said.

He said another officer had been put on leave earlier this year for actions described as similar.

Stephen Corbishley, the Commissioner of Police, said: “Whilst these situations relate to allegations that may or may not be proved, the fact that suspensions have been actioned reflects both the serious nature of matters alleged as well as the necessity to protect the information we possess.”

The commissioner said the service was founded on professional and operational integrity, adding: “Without this, we let down our local communities.”

Mr Corbishley said the incidents were “small in number” and said the public would be advised after “a thorough investigation”.