A POLICE officer who punched a man in the face on a train then lied about it has been dismissed.

Former inspector Christopher Davidson assaulted the man on a journey from High Wycombe on July 11, 2016.

During an initial investigation about the incident Mr Davidson told Superintendent Ed Mclean that he went over to the man to 'calm a situation' and that, as he approached, the man swung at him and caught him on his right eye.

However a misconduct hearing panel sitting in Kidlington on Thursday concluded that Mr Davidson struck the man first, knowing there was no lawful justification for his actions.

As a result Mr Davidson, who was based in High Wycombe Local Policing Area, was dismissed for gross misconduct.

Deputy Chief Constable John Campbell said: "Inspector Davidson assaulted a member of the public while travelling on a train and was dishonest when providing an account about the circumstances. There was no justification whatsoever for his actions.

"We expect our officers to uphold high standards of behaviour, whether they are on or off duty. Inspector Davidson failed to do so and there is no place in our Force for those who behave in the manner he did."