Policemen sacked in racism row

Two long-serving police officers have been thrown out of the force after shouting racist abuse at a member of the public.

Sgt Andrew Hunter and Det Con Steve Beech were "required to resign" by the Thames Valley Chief Constable Charles Pollard after a disciplinary hearing. The pair, who had been officers for more than 25 years, were carpeted after an incident in Buckingham, when a black pedestrian complained that racist abuse was shouted at him from an unmarked police car. Both officers, who stand to lose their pension rights, have appealed to the Home Secretary.