A POLICE misconduct hearing due to investigate an officer accused of shoplifting has been suddenly withdrawn just hours before it was due to go ahead.

An off-duty Thames Valley Police officer, whose identity has been protected by a reporting restriction, was caught on CCTV stealing items from a shop to the value of £26.75.

The officer, who covers Milton Keynes, was due to attend an accelerated misconduct hearing Thursday, September 21 at Thames Valley Police Headquarters in Kidlington in front of the Chief Constable, Jason Hogg.

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However, the hearing was cancelled at short notice on Wednesday (September 20) afternoon. It is unknown why the hearing has been cancelled.

Thames Valley Police have been asked for comment.