An inspector who sold his police trousers for £4 online has had his rank reduced after being found guilty of gross misconduct at a hearing.

Owen Hurley of Hertfordshire Police admitted he sold the item on Vinted, a second-hand selling app.

He told the misconduct hearing the trousers had been in his wardrobe at home for “a long time” and he wanted to “make space” after redecorating.

Mr Hurley was reduced to the rank of sergeant, effective immediately.

The trousers were spotted and reported to the force by a member of the public in summer 2023.

At the hearing on Tuesday Mr Hurley described the sale as “a mistake.”

He confirmed the trousers did not bear a police logo or insignia, but admitted the listing on Vinted indicated they were police issue.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall found the former inspector had ordered two new pairs of police trousers in January 2023, which were the same size as the items listed on the app.

Mr Hurley, who had served for 15 years, had said the old trousers were a poor fit.