EIGHT police officers are facing a gross misconduct hearing over alleged inappropriate and prejudiced behaviour.

It comes after a 17-month investigation into claims by a force employee that officers within its serious and organised crime unit had used "inappropriate and prejudiced" language and behaviour.

Covert recording devices at the police investigation centre in Basingstoke allegedly caught officers making racist and homophobic remarks, Sky News reported.

Today Hampshire Constabulary said one police officer who would have been reprimanded for their behaviour has resigned over the issue.

Eight officers and one member of police staff will be required to attend a misconduct hearing.

Five officers and two members of police staff have 'received management action'.

A further three police officers received management while one was told no further action was needed.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: "Arrangements for the gross misconduct hearings are now under way. For police officers, these are public hearings conducted by a panel and chaired by an independent legally qualified chair."

The panel hears the facts of the case and then detemines the outcome.

The officers could be dismissed, receive a formal written warning or no case to answer.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said the hearing date would be publicised in due course.