THREE Bolton police officers accused of misconduct have been ordered to attend a hearing before investigators today.

The officers are accused of using excessive force and injuring a suspect during an arrest in Bolton in November 2015.

The man was arrested for assault but was later found not guilty. He claimed that he required hospital treatment after he suffered facial fractures at the hands of six police officers.

He also alleged injuries to his wrists and shoulder from the application of force used by officers to restrain him.

The claims were investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who found that there is “evidence of a case to answer for gross misconduct” for three of the officers.

Police Sergeant William Jennings-Wharton, Police Constable Alex Merrett and Police Constable Philip Ng'andu, will answer the allegations at a gross misconduct hearing this morning (Thursday, November 1).

The misconduct hearing will take place at GMP HQ in Newton Heath, Manchester, and is due to last six days.

The officers will face questioning over claims that their conduct amounted to a breach of professional behaviour due to excessive use of force and discreditable conduct.

The investigation began shortly after the man’s arrest in November 2015, but this was suspended in order to avoid prejudicing the arrested man’s criminal trial.

Following his acquittal in July 2016, the investigation was resumed and completed in July, 2017.

The evidence was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) who made the decision not to charge the three officers in December last year.

The report was then shared with GMP who, in April this year, agreed to instigate gross misconduct proceedings.

The misconduct hearing is due to conclude on Wednesday, November 7.