A police officer has been sacked for gross misconduct after hitting a young man while off duty, and then trying to cover it up.

Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that the unnamed officer, a detective sergeant, has been dismissed after an investigation by the force's Professional Standards Department.

In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Devon and Cornwall Police dismissed, without notice, a serving police sergeant from the organisation following the conclusion of misconduct proceedings.

"The officer appeared at an internal misconduct hearing following an investigation into allegations that the officer had used unnecessary force against a man whilst off duty and subsequently provided a false account of the circumstances of the incident.

"The allegations were found to be proven by a misconduct panel, who determined the officer's actions amounted to gross misconduct, breaching the standards of professional behaviour expected from a police officer."