Eight police officers from the 110 police hotline service center in Dongguan, Guangdong province, have been suspended from their posts for failure to function after receiving reports from China Central Television reporters about the city's illegal prostitution activities, New Express Daily reported.

After a joint investigation, Dongguan's anti-graft body, department of supervision and the Party commission of discipline inspection from the provincial department of public security found the eight officers had neglected their duties.

Authorities said the police officers had problems at work, in a statement to answer questions from media.

Reporters dialed the 110 police hotline to report secret prostitution in local hotels, KTVs and bars last week, but received no response.