Two police officers breached professional standards during an argument in Islington, a misconduct hearing found this week.

A panel found allegations of misconduct against PC Laura Bottomley and PC Sam Bolger in relation to the incident on Essex Road to be proven.

The off-duty police officers allegedly became involved in a ‘verbal and physical altercation’ with five men in the early hours of Sunday, May 5.

Both PC Bottomley and PC Bolger were issued with written warnings, following the hearing on Monday (May 24).

The panel found that allegations against PC Bottomley were proven to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of Discreditable Conduct and Authority, Respect and Courtesy.

The panel found that PC Bolger failed to treat all people fairly and with respect within the meaning of the 'Equality' aspect of the Standard of Equality and Diversity.

The panel made no finding of any breach of the 'Diversity' aspect of the Standard.

PC Bolger was cleared of using racist language towards the four men and making a racist slur when challenged by a fifth man, which then led to a physical altercation with the man.

The panel did not find that PC Bolger made any racial remarks or was aggressive to the male group.