The 28-year-old Houghton-based officer was one of eight women and six men arrested by detectives investigating prostitution and corruption across Northumbria, County Durham, Manchester, Cleveland and the Scottish Borders.

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Also arrested in the vice probe was a Washington woman in her 30s, who advertised herself as an Abi Titmus lookalike.

All 14 were bailed until November, pending further inquiries.

Pc Thorne, who has been with the force for a number of years, was allegedly one of about 70 women advertised on the Notorious Girls website, run by Neil Lock and his wife Natalie, both 27.

The policewoman is alleged to have worked under the name Kelly.

The Pc was described on the website as having hazel eyes and brunette hair.

The site claimed: "We promote the finest selection of escorts throughout the North East and North West of England.

"Notorious Girls offer the finest value for money and exceptional professionalism. They possess natural beauty, intelligence and are very enthusiastic about their chosen career.

"Rest assured that high quality is for certain."

On his website, Notorious Girls' owner Mr Lock wrote: "A large number of people were arrested, including Natalie and myself. We were questioned in relation to various so-called criminal offences.

"There were also raids carried out on our home and other locations in the North East and North West.

"The main issue they have is that one of the escorts advertised on the Notorious Girls North East site is a policewoman, so Monday was the day that saw Northumbria Police arresting each other."

Computers and other material were seized during the raids.

Northumbria Police refused to confirm the identity of those arrested.

A spokesman said: "The arrests are the result of a protracted investigation into organised prostitution and corrupting public officials.

"Those arrested range in age from early 20s to late 50s. This is a complex, ongoing investigation so we will be making no further comment at this stage."