A Kent Police officer accused of sexually assaulting a female colleague has been suspended and is now subject to a criminal investigation, KentOnline can reveal.

The accusations relate to a historic incident, believed to involve a junior member of staff.

The officer, who KentOnline is unable to name at this stage, was suspended earlier this month, but the case against him has yet to be heard.

He is also now subject to a criminal investigation, which is being carried out by Suffolk Constabulary.

The officer could also appear before a Kent Police misconduct hearing.

Sources within the force have told KentOnline that Chief Constable Tim Smith - appointed in December last year - is taking a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.

One employee said that after news of the suspension emerged “management told staff not to discuss it”.

The source added: “The officer was escorted out of the police station earlier this month.

“In view of all that’s been happening at police forces like the Met and the rest of the country, Tim Smith is in no mood to put up with any officer behaving inappropriately in the workplace.

“We do a lot of good on every shift we work and it is disheartening when this kind of thing grabs the headlines.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Armory, head of professional standards at Kent Police, said: “There is no place for any criminality or misconduct within Kent Police.

“All incidents reported to us are investigated thoroughly and we do not hesitate to prosecute and bring disciplinary action when there is sufficient evidence to do so.”

A spokesman for Suffolk Police said: “A sexual assault allegation received by Kent Police relating to one of its officers has been referred to Suffolk Constabulary to investigate. An inquiry is currently underway.”