A LANCASHIRE police officer is considering legal action against his bosses after claiming the force's controversial radio system damaged his hearing.

The man, whose identity has not been revealed, believes feedback from Airwave has caused the problem and is currently considering his options.

Lancashire Constabulary said it was not aware of anybody suing the Chief Constable Paul Stephenson, but the county's Police Federation said the officer was in preliminary discussions with a firm of solicitors.

The force was the first in the country to use the technology.

But after two years of operation 176 officers have complained of headaches, nausea and irregular sleep patterns.

A 10-year study into Airwave is under way with officers from across the country volunteering as 'guinea pigs'.

Lancashire Constabulary asked the Home Office to do this to reassure officers.

However, the force has stressed that no officer has been off sick because of the technology and that people with concerns were in a minority.

Steve Edwards, chairman of the Lancashire Police Federation said the officer's complaint was not to do with brain problems, such as a tumour, which form the biggest concerns about Airwave because of the frequency it operates on.

He added: "The officer says the Airwave system has caused his hearing to be impaired and that is what he is taking legal advice about."

A police spokesman said: "The Constabulary is not aware of anybody suing the Chief Constable over serious illness issues involving the use of this equipment."

Airwave replaced an analogue system and will eventually link all police forces.

The mobile phone-style radios are said to have reduced background noise and are blocked to prevent criminals listening in.

Officers can also access computer systems while out of offices and talk to members of the public without returning to stations.

Another six forces in the country are using the system and it is currently being phased in across the country.