A BARROW police officer who was dismissed from his role over a Facebook comment will not face a criminal charge over the post.

Ross Lister was a serving PC in the town but was dismissed following a Misconduct Special Case Hearing on September 27 at Cumbria Constabulary Headquarters.

The decision was made by Chief Constable Jeremy Graham following a Facebook comment posted by Mr Lister, which was considered to be offensive, derogatory and potentially inflammatory.

Chief Con Graham ruled Mr Lister's behaviour amounted to gross misconduct.

Today, a Crown Prosecution Service spokeswoman said: “All cases are subject to continuous review and following a further review of the evidence in this case the CPS has concluded that the comment made on social media does not meet the very high threshold necessary for a criminal prosecution.

“As the suspect in the case has not been charged or summonsed for any offence in relation to the comment there will be no court appearance.”