Further update on Lincolnshire police chief Neil Rhodes' suspension from duty

FURTHER UPDATE: AS mystery continues to surround the suspension of Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable, Neil Rhodes, Manchester's own Chief Constable has been recruited to head the investigation.

Following the determination of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) that a potential conduct matter concerning Mr Rhodes requires investigation, Sir Peter Fahy, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police has been appointed as investigating officer.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire, Alan Hardwick said: "I am pleased to appoint Sir Peter Fahy to conduct an independent and rigorous investigation and I look forward to receiving his findings in due course."

UPDATE: Following the suspension of Lincolnshire Police's temporary Chief Constable, the Independent Police Complaints Commission has confirmed the matter has been referred back to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire for local Investigation.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick said: "I welcome the determination made by the IPCC. The decision made by the IPCC not to carry out their own investigation is understandable and in line with previous determinations they have made on Chief Officer conduct matters.

"I will be conducting my own independent and rigorous local investigation into the potential conduct matters that were raised."

ORIGINAL STORY:

Lincolnshire's police's chief constable has been suspended from duty by the new police and crime commissioner.

It has been confirmed that Chief Constable Neil Rhodes, who is in temporary charge at Lincolnshire Police after being appointed last March, is currently under investigation for "potential conduct matters".

A statement from Lincolnshire police states: "The Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire has been made aware of potential conduct matters involving the Temporary Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police, Neil Rhodes.

"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.

"Following consultation with the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), the matters in question have been referred to them."

Deputy chief constable Alec Wood has been appointed as acting chief constable while the investigation takes place.