A regional daily has been refused the right to name a police officer accused of domestic abuse against two women.

North Yorkshire Police has told the Yorkshire Post the identity of the officer will be kept secret when he faces a misconduct hearing for allegedly subjecting two women to “unwanted, abusive, controlling or coercive behaviour” while he was in relationships with them.

The decision comes after the hearing’s legally qualified chair Gerald Sydenham ruled it should take place behind closed doors.

Senior reporter Nathan Hyde, who is covering the case for the Post, has challenged the decision ahead of the hearing, which is due to take place next Thursday.

Nathan, pictured, told HTFP: “Holding a misconduct hearing behind closed doors for a police officer accused of such serious offences and allowing him to remain anonymous is obviously concerning.

“It comes at a time when public confidence in policing is low, following a series of cases when other male officers have committed deplorable offences against women and forces across the country are being urged to crackdown on sexism and abusive behaviour within their own ranks.

“I think that whenever an officer is charged with gross misconduct the hearing should be held in public, to ensure the process is transparent.”

The anonymous officer could face the sack at Thursday’s hearing.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police told the Post: “The decision to not name the officer and to hold this misconduct case in private has been made by the legally qualified chair.”

Acccording to the Post, the force has previously stated that tackling domestic abuse is a strategic priority and staff take a zero tolerance approach to sexism, misogynism and abusive behaviour.