DOZENS of North-East police officers and PCSOs have been prosecuted for criminal offences - including one convicted of possessing indecent images of children, an investigation has found.

Across the country hundreds of officers have been convicted in the last three years of offences including sex crimes and assaults, a study by the Press Association revealed.

In the North-East, Durham Constabulary said a male police constable was convicted in 2012 for possessing indecent images of children on a personal computer.

Christopher Little, who is in his 30s and was based at Peterlee police station, was given a three-year community order at Newcastle Magistrates' Court after six indecent videos featuring children were retrieved from his computer.

The force said a male PCSO was also convicted of common assault on a female member of the public while on duty in 2013.

Durham Constabulary said eight serving police officers and one PCSO had criminal convictions.

Cleveland Police said no serving police officers had been found guilty of a criminal offence in the last four financial years.

However, the force said there were 11 serving police officers and six PCSOs with a conviction as of June 8 this year.

North Yorkshire and Northumbria forces did not respond to the request for information.

The investigation using the Freedom of Information Act found that 309 police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) were convicted of offences from 2012 to June this year.

But the number of convicted officers is thought to be much higher, as only 25 out of 45 forces provided figures.

Currently at least 295 police officers and PCSOs with convictions are serving with the police, according to separate figures from 18 forces.

The highest ranked officer to be convicted since 2012 was a detective chief superintendent at West Yorkshire Police for drink driving.

David Knopwood was sacked for gross misconduct last year after admitting driving while twice the legal alcohol limit.

The UK's biggest force, the Metropolitan Police, said 178 police officers had been convicted of offences from 2012 to March 31, 2015.

Fifty four of the officers were still serving with the force, including 10 who were awaiting the conclusion of misconduct review hearings.

Convictions involving 46 Met police officers last year included two sexual offences, four violence against the person offences, three thefts and 19 traffic offences.

Greater Manchester Police said 12 police officers and five PCSOs have been convicted of offences since 2012.

A male sergeant was convicted of misconduct in public office, a male inspector was convicted of fraud and a male Pc was convicted of possession of class B drugs, the force said.

Other offences included perjury, theft, harassment, possession of offensive weapons, perverting the course of justice and driving offences.