Officer suspected of sex offences was arrested "at the earliest opportunity"

Norfolk Police today said they took "immediate action" against a police officer suspected of being involved in online child sex abuse.

PC Gareth Gricks was found dead at his home near Fakenham on August 6 - the day he was due to be charged with sex offences against young girls in South East Asia.

Norfolk's temporary Assistant Chief Constable Nick Dean said he had been arrested and suspended "at the earliest opportunity" and later dismissed.

While the officer's death had effectively ended the case, the force had decided to release details of the offences because of their serious nature.

“Both the criminal and sudden death investigations were referred voluntarily by Norfolk Constabulary to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which determined local management was appropriate in both instances.”