He also called child A “babe”, but maintained that he did not think it was sexual in nature.

At the hearing, Mr Miller-Evans admitted he asked both “girls” to send him a picture of themselves.

He told the panel he had asked for the pictures to check who he was talking to and to make sure they were not a “bot or a 50-year-old man”.

He also admitted he asked the other officer, known as child B, about her sexual experiences.

But, he said he “thought that he was being asked for help and advice”.

However, the panel ruled against him, declaring his messages were “flirtatious” and concluding he was “seeking sexual gratification and/or in pursuit of a sexual relationship”.

It also added it “could not be satisfied that Mr Millar-Evans was fully remorseful”.

“The regret he expressed related to the personal consequences of exposure of his actions, rather than demonstrating that he understood the impact of online behaviours on children,” Ms Buxcey said.

“The panel did note that Mr Millar-Evans had recognised the impact of his actions on the school.”