A police sergeant has been sacked for “inappropriate behaviour”.

Brighton-born Matthew Presland, 40, was dismissed from his role at Hastings Police Station after a disciplinary hearing found him guilty of making inappropriate comments and behaving inappropriately.

Presland previously worked in Seaford and Hailsham.

It is believed the allegations against him involved claims of bullying and racism, although this has not been confirmed.

A Sussex Police statement said: “A 40-year-old police sergeant, based on the neighbourhood response team in East Sussex, has been dismissed from Sussex Police after a disciplinary hearing found him guilty of making inappropriate comments to an officer on two occasions and of inappropriate behaviour to an officer.

“The sergeant had been suspended from his post since February.

“He appeared before a disciplinary hearing on June 28 and was dismissed without notice.”

Chief Superintendent Robin Smith, divisional commander |for East Sussex, said: “Sussex Police expects the highest personal and professional standards from anyone who works for us.

“We will rigorously investigate any incidents where these standards are not maintained and as in this case, we will take action to ensure the integrity of officers and staff.”