HAMPSHIRE police chiefs who have banned male officers from wearing earrings could be taken to an employment tribunal after a gay officer lodged an official complaint.

One gay police officer has started grievance procedures, claiming it is discriminatory.

If his case cannot be resolved internally it would end up before an independent tribunal.

Earlier this year the Daily Echo revealed that Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan, pictured above, had barred men from wearing earrings while on duty.

The force outlined in its updated uniform code how female officers could wear a pair of stud earrings, but not male officers.

Initial complaints sparked a two-week review by Hampshire police's personnel department, which ruled that the policy should stay.

But equal rights experts have claimed the new rules are discriminatory against men.

Mr Kernaghan introduced the new rules to make officers look more professional when meeting the public.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire police said: "I can confirm that an internal procedure is under way.

"An officer has filed a grievance and that is going through the system."

The officer initially complained to the Hampshire Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Resource Group.

Stephen Price, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, said its diversity officer had been looking into the legality of the force's decision.

Maureen Adamson, Hampshire police's head of personnel, said after carrying out the review earlier this year: "We felt it was important that officers dressed conventionally and we don't believe it is conventional for male officers to wear earrings."

Legal expert Neil Emery, of Winchester-based solicitors White Bowker, said: "It could be discriminatory if it places a more onerous condition for men rather than women for no reason other than the man's sex.

"In general, employers should be careful when coming up with policy decisions not to sexually discriminate against any particular group."