A serving Metropolitan Police officer previously attached to the South West Command Unit - which covers the Richmond borough - has been dismissed after pleading guilty to assault and false imprisonment.

At an accelerated misconduct hearing yesterday afternoon (January 30), PC Sam Grigg was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of 'discreditable conduct' and was dismissed without notice.

Mr Grigg had previously pleaded guilty at Kingston Crown Court on January 5 and will be sentenced on Friday, 10 February.

The offences for which the former officer pleaded guilty to relate to an incident that took place in Twickenham on Friday, 2 December when he was off-duty.

Mr Grigg used tape to unlawfully restrain a woman who was known to him against her will. Having left her restrained for a period of time, he cut her free using a knife, cutting her in the process.

The incident was reported to police on Tuesday, 6 December and Mr Grigg was arrested the same day. He was charged on Thursday, 8 December and was immediately suspended.

Commander Jon Savell, in charge of the Met's professional standards department, said: "PC Grigg's behaviour was totally unacceptable and I know it will cause concern among members of the public. He's let down the Met and his colleagues who are committed to keeping the people of London safe. 

"We took immediate action to suspend him from duty when his offending came to light and have now removed him from the organisation. 

"We are determined to have a Met that the public can trust, with officers that people feel comfortable to approach. When someone fails to meet these standards, we will take action to remove them from our organisation."

Mr Grigg has now been added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary as well as Fire and Rescue Services.