No IPCC action over Cumbria chief constable

Allegations against a suspended temporary chief constable do not amount to serious misconduct, the police watchdog said today.

Stuart Hyde was relieved of his duties at Cumbria Constabulary last month following a meeting of the local police authority.

A number of claims of serious misconduct - understood to have been reported by senior officers - were referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) for its scrutiny.

The IPCC completed a detailed assessment of the referral and announced it does not need to be involved further in an investigation at this stage.

A spokesman for the IPCC said: "The assessment has revealed that while some matters may require an investigation by Cumbria Police Authority, the allegations as they stand either do not amount to serious misconduct or are based on unsupported suspicion and therefore do not warrant IPCC involvement.

"The IPCC has advised Cumbria Police Authority of the decision, but advised that should further evidence be uncovered that may amount to serious misconduct the matters should be re-referred."

Last month Cumbria Police Authority chairman Ray Cole said the decision to suspend Mr Hyde followed allegations which "may indicate there has a breach in the standards of professional behaviour by Mr Hyde".

Mr Hyde responded by stating he was "devastated" to learn about the allegations and wanted to clear his name as soon as possible.

He was appointed to the role in January when former chief constable Craig Mackey was appointed deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

The appointment was temporary as the new police and crime commissioner elected in November will decide who fills the post permanently.

Deputy chief constable Bernard Lawson, from Merseyside Police, has taken over his duties.

PA