A police officer has been suspended in connection with reports of roadside speed checks being "rigged".

Kent Police have confirmed it is investigating the way in which its speed camera equipment had been used on a particular occasion, and has abandoned 120 pending prosecutions for speeding as a result.

Mystery surrounds the exact reasons behind the officer’s suspension, but it is thought the member of staff using a mobile speed “gun” may have clocked drivers as travelling faster than they were.

A statement from Kent police said: “The issue was brought to our attention as a result of a court case that was discontinued.

“This led to a member of staff being suspended for reasons connected with the case, which related to one specific occasion.

“As a precaution, the decision was made to discontinue 120 prosecutions which were still pending at that time.

“Our investigation into this matter continues. We cannot go into detail until enquiries have been completed.”

Kent police added that all of its staff was trained to follow the manufacturers guidelines, policy and training in this area.

Speed guns cannot be manipulated by staff to read faster speeds than the one travelled, but errors can occur if the equipment is not properly calibrated.

Speed enforcement by the Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership continues in the county as normal.