A Hounslow Police officer has been arrested on suspicion of carrying out a sex attack.

Figures revealed under a Freedom of Information request to Hounslow police show eight borough police constables and one sergeant were arrested on suspicion of carrying out criminal activities, such as drink driving, criminal damage and driving without a licence, in the past three years. The officer who carried out the alleged sex attack was arrested at some point this year.

Police stressed arrests are only based on suspicion and do not indicate guilt. A spokesman said no further detail could be provided on the alleged sex assault.

In 2008, two officers were convicted of traffic offences; this year one officer was convicted of a mystery offence - named as “other” in papers released by the Metropolitan Police - and in 2006 one office was found guilty of criminal damage and another of violent conduct.

In 2006 a police officer appeared in court charged with a violent attack and was jailed.

The figures reveal out of nine officers convicted in court from 2006, five are still serving in the force and out of nine court appearances by officers two were thrown out of the force and one was asked to resign.

A Hounslow police spokesman said the officer arrested in connection with the alleged sex attack had been released on bail while investigations continued.

From 2006 to 2008 more than 300 Met officers were arrested, including 123 for violence against the person and 17 for sexual offences.