Matthew Furlong, 25, applied to join Cheshire Police in 2017 and was told at interview that it was “refreshing to meet someone as well prepared as yourself” and that he “could not have done any more”.

However, he was told he had lost out to other candidates, prompting his father, a detective inspector, to complain.

An employment tribunal found that the police force had discriminated against Mr Furlong on the basis of his sexual orientation, sex and race and ruled that the constabulary acted in a discriminatory way.

Jennifer Ainscough, an employment specialist at Slater and Gordon, said: “Matthew was denied his dream job simply because he was a white, heterosexual male.

“Had he not been such an exceptional candidate he may not even have suspected anything was wrong and this unlawful and unacceptable selection process may have been allowed to continue.

“Positive action is an important tool to support a diverse workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

“However it must be applied lawfully to ensure the highest calibre of candidates are recruited regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation and to ensure standards in police forces are maintained to properly protect our society.”

The tribunal in Liverpool heard four days’ evidence before ruling that positive action should only distinguish between candidates equally qualified for the role.

The case has been adjourned until later in the year when compensation will be determined.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: “We have been notified of the outcome of the tribunal and will review the findings over the coming days.”