Photo: CBC

Mounties in Vernon, B.C., are acting quickly against an officer accused of possessing child pornography.

Const. Ryan Hampton appeared in a Vernon courtroom Thursday and has been ordered to return June 27 to face charges of possession of child pornography, obstructing a police investigation and breaching conditions.

Chief Supt. Mike Sekela says the matter is "absolutely deplorable" and the force has filed a notice of intention to have Hampton suspended without pay.

He also says a formal disciplinary hearing will held and the Mounties will seek the dismissal of the officer, who is in his mid-30s.

The allegations against Hampton surfaced May 5.

Sekela says criminal and internal investigations began immediately.