Police chief on ‘special leave’

Scotland’s police force “does not rely on one individual”, Holyrood’s justice secretary declared after it emerged the country’s top officer is on a period of “special leave” while allegations of gross misconduct against him are investigated.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Phil Gormley has announced he is stepping aside while the complaints against him are investigated.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “While Police Scotland will suffer a degree of uncertainty the success of Police Scotland does not rely on one individual, but on a strong and experienced senior leadership team and on the professionalism and dedication of many thousands of police officers and staff at all levels.”

Rupert van der Werff, a member of staff at Summers Place Auctions in Billingshurst, Sussex, puts the final touches to a family of four mammoths, including a baby mammoth skeleton, which will feature in an Evolution Sale on November 21. It will be the...