Cleveland Police Chief And Deputy Suspended

Two top police chiefs have been suspended by Cleveland Police following their earlier arrest on suspicion of misconduct, abuse of position and corrupt practice.

Chief Constable Sean Price and Deputy Chief Constable Derek Bonnard were arrested early this morning.

A statement read: "We can confirm that two chief officers have been suspended from their posts with Cleveland Police while the investigations are being considered.

"It should be emphasised the suspension is a neutral act and it should not be inferred from the decision to suspend that the potential conduct matters have been proven in respect of the two chief officers concerned."

The two man, and an unnamed woman, are being held at a police station in North Yorkshire where they will be questioned.

It is believed the arrests are linked to a Warwickshire police investigation into allegations surrounding the business conduct of past and present members of Cleveland police authority.

Sky sources say the inquiry is examining the inappropriate awarding of low-value contracts.

Mr Price is also under investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission following claims that he tried to get a job for the daughter of the then chairman of the Cleveland Police Authority, Dave McLuckie.

Warwickshire police say a number of premises are being searched following the arrests.

Both men had been due to take part in an online public forum later today.