A Kent police officer has been removed from frontline duties following allegations he had sex with a member of the public while on duty.

It is alleged that the fling went on for about three months at the beginning of the year, but it was not until late June that a complaint was made.

Detectives who are investigating the claims have taken the complainant’s mobile phone.

They will be comparing messages sent from the phone to police records to see if there is any substance to the accusations.

The police officer has not yet been interviewed by a disciplinary panel as the investigation into his conduct is not complete.

A police spokesman said it was not known how long the investigation would last.