A police officer and a community support officer convicted of misconduct after the murder of a disabled man have been dismissed.

PC Kevin Duffy, 52, and PCSO Andrew Passmore, 56, were found guilty of misconduct in public office in connection with the death of Bijan Ebrahimi in Bristol, in 2013.

Ebrahimi, 44, was punched and kicked to death before his body was set on fire by neighbour Lee James, who wrongly believed he was a paedophile.

Avon and Somerset police announced on Friday that Duffy and Passmore have been dismissed from the force following misconduct hearings.

“It was alleged that PC Duffy breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to his dealings with Bijan Ebrahimi between 10 and 15 July 2013,” a spokesman said.

“PC Duffy knew, or ought to have known, that Ebrahimi was at risk of harm. He failed to visit or otherwise make contact with Ebrahimi and refused to speak to him on the telephone.

“As a result, PC Duffy was convicted of misconduct in a public office on 21 December, which has brought discredit to the constabulary. The allegations were upheld by the misconduct panel and, as a result, PC Duffy was found guilty of gross misconduct.

“The ruling of the panel was that PC Duffy be dismissed from Avon and Somerset police without notice. At a separate hearing earlier this week, PCSO Andrew Passmore was also dismissed in relation to this matter.”

Duffy and Passmore are two of 18 officers and staff facing misconduct proceedings within the force. Of those, nine are accused of gross misconduct.

PCs Leanne Winter, 38, and Helen Harris, 40, were each acquitted of a charge of misconduct in public office following a seven-week trial.

More details soon