A police sergeant has been sacked for punching a detainee four times while trying to restrain him.

Colin Travi, who was based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, was dismissed by Thames Valley Police following a two-day misconduct hearing.

The incident took place on August 18 last year when a man was brought into Abingdon police station’s custody suite.

During his detention, the man became agitated and Sgt Travi went to restrain the man.

A force spokesman said: “Sgt Travi was found to have used excessive and unnecessary force by punching the man four times.

“In doing so, Sgt Travi breached the standards of professional behaviour concerning use of force and in respect of discreditable conduct.”

The misconduct panel heard that the detainee had initially been placed in handcuffs and leg restraints in his cell after he “indicated he would self-harm,” the Oxford Mail reported.

After the restraints were taken off, he became agitated that he had not seen a solicitor and Sgt Travi restrained him.

A struggle ensued and three other officers sought to restrain and handcuff the man, during which he was punched in the head and face.