Chief Constable suspended from duty

The Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police has been suspended from duty by the county's Police and Crime Commissioner, it has emerged.

PCC Alan Hardwick said acting Chief Constable Neil Rhodes had been suspended from his post after he was "made aware of potential conduct matters" involving the senior officer.

A statement issued by Mr Hardwick's office said: "The Commissioner can confirm that Mr Rhodes has been suspended from duty while investigations are being considered.

"It should be emphasised that suspension is a neutral act and it should not be inferred from the decision to suspend that the potential conduct matters have been proven."

The statement, which was also posted on the Lincolnshire Police website, added: "Following consultation with the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), the matters in question have been referred to them.

"The Commissioner has appointed Deputy Chief Constable Alec Wood as acting Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police with immediate effect."