POLICE confirmed yesterday that one of the disgraced beat bobbies forced to quit over an alleged sex romp while on duty has lodged an appeal.

Officers at Durham Constabulary's headquarters confirmed that former police constable Michael Hendy had notified the Police Federation before the appeal deadline yesterday.

He and fellow Barnard Castle officer PC Marc Watson were both found guilty during a misconduct hearing, which looked into allegations that they both had sex with a female sixth form student in the back of their police van while on duty.

The hearing followed a six-month investigation, during which time the two officers were moved to Crook and Bishop Auckland police stations.

A police spokesman said yesterday: "We have received a request from one of the two officers, which means the outcome of the hearing will now be reviewed by the Chief Constable."

Mr Hendy's father, Philip Hendy, of Darlington, yesterday confirmed his son's appeal, but refused to comment further. Michael Hendy was unavailable for comment last night.