Chief constable investigated after ‘conduct allegation’

A DECORATED chief constable is being investigated after an allegation was made about his conduct.

Simon Byrne is the chief constable of Cheshire Police and was awarded the Queens Police Medal (QPM) in the 2016 New Year’s honours list.

Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner, David Keane, has ordered an independent investigation into the allegation, which is expected to be managed by an outside police force.

The commissioner’s office refused to comment on the exact nature of the allegation made.

Chief Constable Byrne confirmed in a statement that he was aware an allegation about his conduct had been made, but said he ‘didn’t know’ the details.

He said: “I am aware that an allegation about my conduct is being investigated by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, in accordance with normal policy and procedure. I do not know the detail of the allegation so am unable to make any further comment at the moment. In the meantime, I remain focused on my work in keeping Cheshire safe and fulfilling my national responsibilities.”

In a statement Mr Keane, said: “I can confirm that I have received an allegation against the Chief Constable, Simon Byrne. In the interest of openness and transparency, I referred this immediately to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), who have now passed this case back to me for a local investigation.”