A POLICE officer is facing disciplinary action after parking in a parent and toddler bay while off duty.

An eagle-eyed Oxford Mail reader captured this image of the car at Tesco supermarket in Abingdon.

The matter is being dealt with internally according to Thames Valley Police.

The reader, who asked not to be named, said: “To the astonishment of myself and others waiting, this police car was parked in the parent and toddler area while people with children were waiting for spaces. There were other areas free elsewhere.”

The picture was taken on Thursday at about noon at the Marcham Road store.

A police spokesman said: “Officers are exempt from parking regulations for operational policing purposes, but officers are aware of the need to be considerate.

“He apologies for parking inconsiderately and fully acknowledges this was not acceptable behaviour.”