AN investigation has been launched after a member of police staff was recorded being abusive following a telephone call from a member of the public.

Michael Carey uploaded the recording of the conversation between himself and a Cleveland Police worker over a subject access request he made with the force 11 months ago.

During the minute long clip, the pair can be heard discussing the application but it is once the police worker fails to hang up correctly that she can be heard being abusive.

In the recording, the woman is heard saying: "He's an absolute complete and utter a***hole. You just want to say, 'f*** off and die, get a f***ing life will you'. You just want to say that to him, don't you?"

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “Cleveland Police is aware of the matter and it has been referred to the Professional Standards Department for initial investigation.”