A police detective has admitted gross misconduct after she faked cancer to get out of work.

Detective Sergeant Vikki Costello, who worked for Kent Police, falsely claimed to be suffering from cervical cancer to take time off.

The officer repeatedly told her employer and colleagues she was unwell, pretended she was undergoing treatment and even submitted sick notes.

A misconduct hearing earlier this month was told DS Costello "falsely claimed to be suffering from cancer with the result that her workload was reduced and she was allowed time off for treatment due to her claim that she was unwell".

After her deception was discovered, the officer refused to release her medical records, or any evidence to show she had cancer or was being treated for it.

She also declined to be interviewed or respond to any questions, but the hearing was told she had expressed remorse.

Chair of the misconduct hearing Eileen Herlihy said: "We find that the officer repeatedly and falsely claimed to be suffering from cancer which she knew to be untrue.

"Individually and collectively we find that the allegations are proven and are serious as they relate to claims made by the officer which she knew to be untrue, which she had repeatedly made over an extended period of time to her colleagues and employer.

"The consequences of her false claims were that she undermined the trust that her colleagues could place in her, that she clearly breached the obligation that police officers are required to be honest, and increased the burden on colleagues and other officers due to her numerous absences from work and the reduced working pattern which she was afforded.

"As soon as the allegations were reported, we took prompt action to hold the officer to account..."

"Such actions have the potential to bring serious discredit on Kent Police.

"We find that her behaviour breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of honesty and integrity and discreditable conduct."

The panel said there were aggravating factors, including that her repeated false claims - maintained over "a significant period of time" - afforded her "substantial periods of sick leave to which she was not entitled".

The panel concluded by saying had the officer not resigned, she would have been dismissed.

Kent Police declined to say where in the county DS Costello had worked, but did confirm there had been no criminal investigation into her actions.

DCI Natalie Potter, of the force's Professional Standards Department, said: "We always expect the highest standards of professionalism and conduct from all officers and staff, and the vast majority serve in line with these expectations.

"Those who fall short will always face scrutiny and proportionately robust action.

"As soon as the allegations were reported, we took prompt action to hold the officer to account.

"Now that this outcome has been determined by an independent panel, we will be placing DS Costello on the College of Policing’s police barred list."