Last updated at 15:06, Friday, 14 September 2012

Cumbria's Chief Constable Stuart Hyde has been suspended following a number of allegations of serious misconduct.

Stuart Hyde, Temporary Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary

Cumbria Police Authority today released a statement saying the decision was taken yesterday to suspend Mr Hyde. The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

The statement read:  “The decision has been taken following a number of allegations of serious misconduct, which may indicate there has been a breach in the standards of professional behaviour, by Mr Hyde."

“The Authority takes all allegations against any police officer seriously and must address these allegations in an appropriate manner.

“We have consulted with HMIC, who have given us guidance on continuing leadership of Cumbria Constabulary. Deputy Chief Constable, Bernard Lawson, from Merseyside Police has assumed the role of Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary, temporarily, effective immediately.

“The matter has now been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission as per the proper protocol.

“We have no further comment to make at this time.”

• See tomorrow's News & Star newspaper for more on this story

First published at 11:09, Friday, 14 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk