A HEARING has got underway into six police officers accused of making racist and homophobic comments in a police station

Retired Detective Inspector Tim Ireson, Detective Sergeant Oliver Lage, Detective Sergeant Gregory Willcox, former PC Craig Bannerman, trainee Detective Constable Andrew Ferguson and PC James Oldfield have begun a three week public misconduct hearing today.

The officers are alleged to have made comments of a discriminatory nature, including homophobic, racist and sexist remarks while working at Basingstoke's North Hampshire Police Investigation Centre between March and April 2018.

It follows a 17-month investigation into claims by a force employee.

The hearing had been scheduled for April, but was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It was again delayed last week because of the availability of a panel member.