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A police officer has been dismissed after a row with staff at Sports Direct over a basketball led to a misconduct hearing.

The officer from Avon and Somerset Police, who has not been identified, attempted to buy two basketballs from the shop but was told one was lost property and was not for sale.

In response, he told a member of staff he had a right to the ball having found it and after producing his warrant card, directed they take the ball to a police station.

The following day, another member of staff took the ball to a police station where he made a complaint about the officer’s conduct.

When the officer was made aware of the complaint against him he informed his line manager he wanted to raise crimes of theft and threatening behaviour against the member of staff.

In the misconduct hearing, it was alleged the officer breached the standards of professional behaviour by abusing his position during and following a disagreement with staff at the shop.

The misconduct panel concluded the officer’s conduct in the shop was bullying, intimidating and an abuse of his position as a police officer and that his accusations of criminal wrongdoing by the member of staff were dishonest and malicious.

Superintendent Simon Wilstead, head of Professional Standards, said: "Holding the office of Constable brings with it significant responsibilities and powers.

"This case is a reminder of the need for police officers to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and integrity both on and off duty."

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