Police officer resigns in rent-boy scandal

A police officer has resigned after being named in a rent-boy scandal. Detectives were called in after a male prostitute, aged 15, gave social workers a list of clients and car registration numbers. The officers were stunned to discover one of their colleagues on the list. The 41-year-old bachelor denied any contact with the youth, who worked from Cardiff's central bus station, a notorious haunt for male prostitutes.

Police officers searched the unnamed officer's home in Newport, Gwent, and removed a quantity of material. The officer was suspended and offered his resignation. Detective Superintendent Iain Johnston, head of Gwent CID, said yesterday: "I am conducting an inquiry concerning a former Gwent police officer.The officer concerned has resigned but the investigation is continuing."