A FORMER Kent police officer and an adult care worker are among 19 people arrested as part of an investigation into internet child abuse.

Paul Alexis Hook, 32, an ex-police officer who lives in Maidstone, faces 22 counts of making indecent images of children and of distributing indecent images.

Mr Hook, who also worked as the policeman in the county town, has appeared before Maidstone magistrates and has been remanded in custody until Friday, June 11.

Care worker Paul Galvin, 42, of Friars Way, Dover, is charged with 22 counts of making indecent images of children. The Kent County Council employee appeared at Channel Magistrates' Court at Folkestone. He was also remanded in custody until June 11.

In recent days Kent Police have issued 22 warrants at addresses across the county as part of the national internet child porn campaign Operation Ore.

The other 17 suspects, including teachers, a pastor, a prison officer and a Metropolitan Police officer have either been remanded in custody or released on bail pending further inquiries.