Three officers have avoided the sack after a misconduct hearing was told they left a dangerously icy road where a car had crashed and drove away, just minutes before two other drivers were killed at the same spot.

PC David Stamp, PC Hugh Flanagan and PC Caroline Irwin were found to have “breached standards” following a nine-day hearing, and they were given written warnings and “management advice”.

The breaches were in connection with the officers’ response and action following a crash on the A413 near Great Missenden on March 4, 2014.

They were called to the crash in the early hours of the morning after driver Martin Kendall skidded off the road.

They then left again less than 30 minutes later, prosecutor Mark Ley-Morgan told the police misconduct hearing in Newbury, Berks, on February 23.

At the time, he said that three did not leave a sign to warn other road users of the conditions and just 28 minutes after leaving the scene, Malcolm Tindall and Carl Bird crashed head-on into each other and died in an icy collision that left another passenger seriously injured.

Police confirmed all officers were based at Amersham police station at the time of the accidents.

The panel at the hearing concluded the case for gross misconduct was proven against PC Stamp and the misconduct case was proven against PC Flanagan and PC Irwin.

Deputy Chief Constable John Campbell said: “After carefully considering all of the evidence the panel concluded that the officers' conduct amounted to gross misconduct and misconduct and they were in breach of the standards of professional behaviour; namely duties and responsibilities and discreditable conduct.

“PC Stamp has been issued with a written warning and PC Flanagan and PC Irwin will be given management advice. They have been left in no doubt about the seriousness of their actions. 

“The force’s response to the incidents has been subject to an independent investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

“I will ensure that we continue to review the circumstances and where improvements to policy and procedures are identified, these will be implemented across the force to ensure we deliver the best possible service to our communities.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the deceased men, Carl Bird and Malcolm Tindall, and everyone who has been affected by the tragic events almost three years ago.”