Cheshire Police chief suspended in misconduct case

THE chief constable of Cheshire Police has been suspended after an investigation found he had a case to answer for gross misconduct, the force’s police and crime commissioner has said.

David Keane, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said Chief Constable Simon Byrne had been suspended pending the conclusion of a gross misconduct hearing.

“Deputy Chief Constable Janette Mccormick will be undertaking the role of acting chief constable.”

It is understood the investigation was launched following a complaint about Mr Byrne’s behaviour towards a fellow officer.

Mr Keane said he would not be making any further comment to “preserve the integrity of the ongoing process”.

An independent inquiry into the claim related to Mr Byrne was ordered last year, but the allegation made against him was not disclosed.

Mr Byrne has headed up the constabulary since June 2014 and previously served as an assistant commissioner for the Metropolitan Police, deputy chief constable of Greater Manchester Police and assistant chief constable with Merseyside Police.