Sussex officers who need to re-sit the Inspector’s exam after technical issues scuppered first attempt to receive two additional days paid study leave.

The online exam which took place on Tuesday was abandoned after many candidates were met with constant buffering and questions not loading in time.

The College of Policing confirmed the following day that anyone who failed has the option to re-take. Those who passed do not need to re-sit the exam.

But those who do within Sussex Police have been granted two extra days paid study leave after a conversation with the force's Fed chair and the chief constable.

Sussex Police Federation Chairman Daren Egan said in a statement on their Facebook page: "Following on from the Inspectors Exam issues, I have had a conversation with the Chief Constable Jo Shiner this morning and she has agreed two additional days paid study leave for all those who will be required to re-sit the rearranged Insp Exam, subject to urgent operational commitments.

"I am pleased to say that our Chief Constable has responded quickly and positively, and we are grateful to her for this positive and supportive action for those officers affected.

"Please feel free to share this news with anyone who was affected,” he added.

CC Shiner confirmed in writing to Mr Egan, and wrote: "Just to confirm our conversation, those candidates who have to retake the exam will be able to take 2 days paid study leave in order to assist them through this challenging time.

She added it would be dependent on “urgent operational commitments”.

A date for the re-sit is yet to be confirmed.

The College said on their website: “We recognise the urgency of rescheduling the exam to avoid any loss of knowledge or further disruption. We are working with our supplier and forces to identify a range of suitable dates in the coming weeks.

“We will be offering a number of dates to allow candidates options to fit the rescheduled exam around work and other commitments.”

They said they were intending to confirm these dates early next week (w/c 19 October).