Cheshire Police Chief Constable Simon Byrne suspended over allegations of gross misconduct

The Chief Constable of Cheshire Police has been suspended following allegations of gross misconduct.

An investigation found that Simon Byrne had a “case to answer” over the claims, which have not been publicly detailed.

David Keane, the elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said an external police force launched the probe after the allegations were made late last year.

“Following receipt of the investigation report, and having carefully considered the evidence, I have determined that there is a case to answer for gross misconduct with regards to authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct,” he added.

“This matter must now be referred to an independently chaired gross misconduct hearing.

“In light of this determination, I consider that the public interest requires that Mr Byrne be suspended pending the conclusion of the hearing.”

Deputy Chief Constable Janette McCormick will be the acting head of Cheshire Police as the investigation continues.

In a statement issued to the Manchester Evening News in December, Mr Byrne said he was aware an allegation had been made but did not know what for, adding: “I do not know the detail of the allegation so am unable to make any further comment at the moment.

“In the meantime, I remain focused on my work in keeping Cheshire safe and fulfilling my national responsibilities.”

Mr Byrne did not immediately comment on his suspension on Wednesday.

He started his career with the Metropolitan Police in London in the early 1980s, before transferring to Merseyside Police and rising to the rank of Assistant Chief Constable.

Mr Byrne, who is married with two children, moved to Greater Manchester Police in 2009 as its Deputy Chief Constable, then took up his post leading Cheshire Police in 2014.

He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the 2016 New Year’s honours list and sits on the Sentencing Council for England and Wales.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said it was alerted to the case in November and referred it back to the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner for a local investigation to be conducted.