An investigation is under way after a Sussex Police officer was the target of a racist slur from inside the force.

Chief Inspector Kul Verma, who heads the force's Black Police Officers Association, put his house up for rent on a police computer message board.

An anonymous reply soon appeared asking if "that was the one above the corner shop".

Another officer was so offended he told Chief Superintendent Doug Rattray, Brighton and Hove's new police commander, who immediately ordered an investigation.

The Argus understands the force's web officer, who maintains the computer intranet, was called at home and told to come in immediately, to try to trace the sender of the message.

A source said: "He said he had had a few drinks and that he did not feel he should drive. A police car was sent to bring him to the station."

Mr Rattray told The Argus: "Some people may see this comment as a joke. I don't.

"I perceive it as a racist comment and I have launched an internal investigation to find out who was responsible.

"The public expects fair treatment from the police and I need to be confident my staff can deliver that.

"I believe the vast majority of our people are not racist and that the police service has made considerable improvements over recent years.

"This behaviour from one individual won't be tolerated within the police ranks any more than on the streets. It is heartening this issue was brought to our attention by a member of staff who found it offensive."

Use of the intranet message board has been suspended until the investigation is complete.

The complaint is being dealt with as a racist incident in line with recommendations made by the Stephen Lawrence inquiry.

l In October 1998, then Sussex Chief Constable Paul Whitehouse admitted there was "institutionalised" racism in the force.

In the aftermath of the furore sparked by the admission that it existed within the Metropolitan Police, Mr Whitehouse said: "Yes, there is institutionalised racism within Sussex Police but that does not mean Sussex Police is an inherently racist service."

He said some individuals who had stepped out of line had been sacked.