EIGHT police officers in the county have been accused of domestic violence in the past seven years - but none of them were sacked, The Mail can reveal.

Police confirmed that investigations were carried out into the officers after reports they were the perpetrators of domestic abuse, according to a freedom of information request.

The reports to Cumbria Police’s Professional Standards department date back to 2014. In most of the cases no charges were brought against officers.

One officer in the south of the county had reports of domestic violence dealt with out of court, which resulted in a final written warning after being disciplined by the force.

He was among three officers in the south of the county who were reported to Professional Standards.

The other two cases, in which no criminal proceedings were brought, resulted in a management action and a written warning.

The four reports in the north of the county were recorded as having 'no case to answer'. One officer said to have a case to answer retired from the force.

There was one case in the west of the county in which the officer was also said to have no case to answer.

In 2018, Barrow police officer Dave Edwards‘narrowly’ avoided being sacked after assaulting his wife.

He accepted a caution for assault and was given a final written warning following a police misconduct hearing.

Detective Inspector Martyn Park, Professional Standards Department, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “Each report of domestic abuse is subject to a thorough investigation, regardless of whether an alleged perpetrator is a member of the public or is employed by the Constabulary.

“Central to any investigation is the safeguarding of victims and providing them with the appropriate support.

“The data shows that no officer or member of police staff has been convicted of a domestic abuse offence. Our officers and staff are held to the highest standard and the overwhelming majority act in a way the Constabulary and the public can be proud of each and every day.

“Should an officer or staff member be found to have fallen short of these standards – or on the rare occasion found to have broken the law - the Constabulary will investigate and take appropriate action.

“Protecting vulnerable people, including victims of domestic abuse, is a key priority.

“We would encourage anyone who experiences domestic abuse or has concerns for someone, to contact us so an investigation can be conducted and victims can receive the appropriate safeguarding and support.”