The head of Essex Police believes too many of his officers are taking days off sick after drinking too much.

Writing in magazine Essex fed Focus, Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh vowed to clampdown on those exploiting the system.

He said: “If [officers] have a heavy night, on occasions they are taking days off. They will be challenged and if necessary they will be dealt with.

Currently officers in Essex take an average of 12 sick days a year.

Mr Kavanagh said he wants to bring his force in line with nurses at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, who take an average of seven days a year.

“What I want to do is have a sickness management process that supports those who are genuinely in need,” he said.