Last updated at 10:58, Wednesday, 10 October 2012

Cumbria’s suspended chief constable is devastated that he remains under investigation after a national watchdog said the allegations against him did not “amount to serious misconduct” or were “based on unsupported suspicion”.

Stuart Hyde

Related: Cumbria chief constable probe: National watchdog says no 'serious misconduct'

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has said the case involving Stuart Hyde did not merit a probe by its officials.

But the IPCC added its assessment showed “some matters may require an investigation” by the body overseeing the running of Cumbria’s police force.

Members of this body – Cumbria Police Authority – have now decided to refer the case to another police force who will make further inquiries.

Writing on his website, Mr Hyde, who was suspended from duty last month, says: “I was pleased to learn that the IPCC had concluded that there was no evidence of serious misconduct that required further investigation by them. I still remain devastated by the allegations and I am obviously very disappointed that Cumbria Police Authority today decided to investigate some matters further, and that it considered those allegations continue to necessitate my suspension.

“I co-operated fully with the IPCC and I voluntarily submitted the information I provided to them, to Cumbria Police Authority, for their deliberations today. At no stage have I been asked by Cumbria Police Authority for my version of events. I remain absolutely committed to return to my role as Chief Constable and to serving Cumbria and I will continue to give my full co-operation when the investigation commences."

First published at 10:57, Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk