THE borough’s top police officer has been arrested on suspicion of a sex offence.
Chief Inspector Ben Hodder has been temporarily removed from his post as district commander while the investigation continues.
His colleague, Leigh Norris, has stepped in as acting chief inspector.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “On Thursday, May 8, Essex Police arrestedaman in connection with an investigation into an allegation of a sexual offence.
“Nobody else has been arrested in connection with the investigation and inquiries are ongoing. He is due to report back for bail this month.”
Mr Hodder has been district commander in Thurrock for more than two years and has almost 20 years’ service in Essex, mainly in Thurrock, Basildon and Harlow.
He has been a prolific Twitter user, but has not posted anything on his professional social media account since May 8.
The Gazette reported on its website last Fridat how an Essex Police officer had been arrested and suspended.
We attempted to contact Mr Hodder, but he has been unavailable for comment.
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