AN investigation has been launched into claims that two policemen had sex with a sixth-form schoolgirl in the back of their police van while they were on duty.

Durham Police confirmed last night that an internal disciplinary inquiry was under way into allegations that the officers "misused" the van to transport the teenager and also of "inappropriate behaviour" by the officers.

The allegations about two officers first surfaced on a local website for tourists to the Teesdale area.

No formal complaint has been made against either of the officers, in their twenties, and there has been no allegation of criminal behaviour.

The officers, who were based at Barnard Castle, have now been moved to other police stations.

The allegations on the website suggest that officers had sex with three women, one a sixth-former.

It is believed that the 17-year-old girl has spoken to police as part of the investigation.

A Durham Police spokes-man said yesterday: "We have initiated an internal disciplinary inquiry following receipt of information that two police officers misused police transport while on duty. The inquiry centres on a claim that a member of the public - in this case a young woman - was carried in a police vehicle without authorisation.

"It has also been suggested the officers were involved in inappropriate behaviour.

"All these matters are now the subject of an ongoing investigation."

The allegations have been detailed on the Teesdale 2000 website, which carries information on what to see and do in the area.

A notice on the site says it has been taken over by a new server, based in Canada.