One PC has been dismissed and another given a final written warning after police were called to a Norwich hotel because of their 'noisy and rowdy' behaviour.

PC Jason Munns and PC Luke Salmon, both officers with Essex Police, had been out on fellow officer Esther Butcher's hen party in June 2016.

A police misconduct panel heard officers from Norfolk Police were called after the two constables refused to leave a Norwich Travelodge after being asked to do so by staff.

Both officers apologised for their actions after being found guilty of gross misconduct at the hearing in Harlow which ruled the behaviour of both had breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in terms of Discreditable Conduct and they made a finding of gross misconduct.

The panel, chaired by legally-qualified chair John Bassett, ruled that PC Munns should be dismissed without notice and PC Salmon be issued a final written warning.

The panel agreed that both officers were argumentative and rude to hotel staff when asked to reduce noise levels in the early hours of the morning. Police were subsequently called and the officers disputed their use of powers.

After the hearing, Chief Supt Rachel Nolan said: 'The conduct of both officers fell well below the standard expected by the public and the force.

'The officers did not comply with warnings from hotel staff then, on police attendance, were argumentative and belligerent, disputing points of law.

'Both identified themselves as Essex Police officers during the incident, which lasted for more than an hour on a Friday night.

'Whilst both officers have apologised, the public rightly expect police officers to display high standards of behaviour whether on or off duty.

'The conduct of PC Munns and PC Salmon has damaged the reputation of Essex Police and undermined the hard work undertaken by colleagues every day.

'We would like to thank our colleagues at Norfolk Police for attending this incident.'