A former Epsom policewoman has taken Surrey Police to an employment tribunal after being drummed out of the force over claims of dishonesty and cowardice.

Alison Wheeler, 39, was accused of not acting quickly enough to help off-duty PC Rory Channon break up a late-night brawl between up to five youths outside Walton police station on October 13, 2007, and not using her CS spray.

When she protested about what happened, commanding officers claimed she lied and fired her, a tribunal heard.

On Monday, an employment tribunal in Croydon heard claims she was a victim of ageism, sexism and bullying.

She claimed supervising officers had tried to force her out and used the Walton police station incident as an excuse.

She also gave evidence about alleged chaotic practices in Epsom CID, with incompatible systems and hours spent travelling between Staines, Epsom, Walton and Guildford to collect and view CCTV.

On another occasion, she claimed she was shouted and sworn at when she questioned orders to arrest a 12-year-old girl on a bank holiday Monday.

Giving evidence about the police station incident PC Channon said Miss Wheeler had done nothing to help him.

He said: “She was shaking her CS spray but was not moving. When she did come, she kept to the other side of the barrier where I was struggling with the male and made no attempt to keep the other males away.

"She did not use the CS spray and did not use her radio to contact anyone.”

She claimed she repeatedly asked to see CCTV footage of the incident, even using the Freedom of Information Act, but was told she was obscured by trees.

She finally got the footage when she attended court as a witness in the case.

Miss Wheeler said the film showed her leaving the police station when called, approach one of the youths but not use the CS gas because he had his hands in the air.

Miss Wheeler said: “They perpetuated the lie that I did nothing to assist the off-duty officer break up a fight, when the CCTV clearly shows me pulling a male off him and restraining him until back up arrived.

“I lost my job, I have lost any savings and pension I had and am struggling to survive.

"I have sold heirlooms to pay my bills and have been caused great anguish by what has been said about me.”

Miss Wheeler from West Molesey told the tribunal she had lost a job pushing passengers in wheelchairs at Heathrow Airport because of the dishonesty allegations.

She also had to explain them to the Serious and Organised Crime Agency, where she got a temporary job.

The tribunal continues.