THE decision to discipline two police officers after an unauthorised car chase has come under fire.

Action was taken against PCs Adam Williams and Daniel Toft after they tried to stop a white Skoda in Hastings last February – without permission from Sussex Police HQ.

PC Williams drove the wrong way down a one-way street and rammed the fleeing vehicle.

He is now on a final warning after an investigation by police watchdog the IOPC.

But the chairman of Sussex Police Federation – the organisation representing rank and file officers – has defended the officers and said the decision was “disappointing”.

Matt Webb said a “dangerous drug dealer” had driven straight at the officers, sparking the pursuit.

He said: “The bottom line is they were trying to take a dangerous drug dealer off the streets. They recovered drugs and cash but they have been disciplined.”

Sussex Police said it expected “the highest personal and professional standards” and “allegations of behaviour that does not meet those standards are rigorously investigated”.

The IOPC previously said: “It is extremely fortunate that no one was injured.”