A POLICE officer has been forced to resign over an improper relationship with a vulnerable woman witness.

Married former beat officer, PC Kevin Sutherland, resigned after bosses discovered the relationship.

A formal internal disciplinary hearing held by North Yorkshire police had found him guilty of breaking strict conduct rules.

It is believed that the hearing took place in December, but was related to a police incident that took place three years ago.

Speaking at the home in Wigginton, York, he shares with wife, Michelle, Mr Sutherland, who is in his mid-40s, said: "If the force has issued a statement then I am happy to abide by that statement."

Force press officer Ron Johnson said: "At a disciplinary hearing an officer based in York has been found guilty of conducting an improper relationship with a woman considered vulnerable. He has been required to resign forthwith, which he has done."

A spokesman for the Police Federation, which represented Mr Sutherland at the internal hearing, said he had no comment to make.

Brian Flanagan, Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for the Clifton area, said Mr Sutherland was already greatly missed in the community after duties took him elsewhere.

He said: "He has done an enormous amount of good here for people, especially the young and elderly residents. He is a great bloke, a very fair person who can communicate with young people."

In 2000, Mr Sutherland was commended by the York area commander for his "painstaking" police work into an assault in Haxby. His efforts led to three arrests.