AN investigation has been launched against a senior Essex Police officer after allegations of bullying were made.

The officer is alleged to have been verbally and physically abusive towards other officers on three occasions in 2015 and 2016.

The professional standards department at Essex Police has referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) due to the severity of the allegations and the seniority of the officer.

The IPCC refused to confirm the officer's rank.

IPCC commissioner Cindy Butts said: "It is crucial to securing public confidence in the police that allegations of this nature concerning a senior officer are independently investigated.

"We will thoroughly examine the reports of alleged bullying behaviour to determine whether or not the officer has acted inappropriately, or breached the standards of professional behaviour."

The officer has been issued with a gross misconduct notice informing them that their conduct is under investigation.

According to IPPC guidelines, misconduct notices do not imply guilt but are to inform the officer their behaviour and conduct are under investigation and the level of severity and such notices are not judgemental in any way.