Cheshire Police's Chief Constable suspended pending investigation

The Chief Constable of Cheshire Police has been suspended while an investigation takes place.

Here is a statement from the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane:

"Following allegations made in late 2016 against Chief Constable Simon Byrne and following advice from the IPCC, a local investigation conducted by an external police force has been underway in accordance with the statutory police conduct regime,

"Following receipt of the Investigation Report, and having carefully considered the evidence, I have determined that there is a case to answer for gross misconduct with regards to Authority, Respect and Courtesy and Discreditable Conduct. This matter must now be referred to an independently chaired gross misconduct hearing,

"In light of this determination, I consider that the public interest requires that Mr Byrne be suspended pending the conclusion of the hearing. Deputy Chief Constable McCormick will be undertaking the role of Acting Chief Constable."

• Cheshire Police
• Simon Byrne
• Chief Constable
• Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner