Hundreds of British police officers guilty of serious crimes

Hundreds of British police officers have been found guilty of serious crimes including sex offences, drug use and possession of indecent images of children over the past three years, according to new figures.

Newly released data show a shocking 309 officers as well as lower tier police community support officers (PCSOs) were convicted of offences since 2012.

The figures, requested by the Press Association from 45 forces only found 25 responses, suggesting the actual number of convictions is likely to be much higher than expected.

The information identifies the most senior figure involved in the convictions is a former West Yorkshire police detective chief superintendent, David Knopwood, who was discharged after being found guilty of drink driving almost twice over the legal limit.