A police officer who spat at a member of the public in Twickenham has been dismissed from duty.

PC David Gray was let go from the Metropolitan Police Service having previously been found guilty of criminal damage and assault.

He was involved in an altercation with another driver while trying to pass a bus along St Margaret's Road in Twickenham. After the altercation, he ended up spitting at the other driver.

On Friday, April 7, PC Gray was found guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court of criminal damage and assault followed an incident on Friday, 24 June.

The officer, attached to the Met’s Flying Squad, attended a special case hearing to find whether his conduct amounted to a breach of standards of professional behaviour, in respect of discreditable conduct and respect and courtesy.

On top of being dismissed, PC Gray was sentenced to pay a total of £2,520 in fines and costs when the chair of the hearing assistant commissioner Pat Gallan determined there was a breach on Thursday, August 17.

AC Gallan said: "The nature of PC Gray's criminal conviction is such that it undermines the confidence the public has a right to demand of its police service to be treated with authority, respect and courtesy which is critical to policing London effectively.

"PC Gray's conduct on the day was so discreditable that it has resulted in a criminal conviction. In addition the public at large has the right to demand the highest standards of its police service."

PC Gray was dismissed without notice