Chief constable suspended over Northern Ireland investigation

The chief constable of West Yorkshire Police has been suspended following the launch of an investigation in Northern Ireland.

Mark Gilmore, appointed to the post of chief constable in April 2013, was suspended by the area’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) on Friday (June 20) following receipt of information about the investigation from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

The force’s deputy chief constable has taken charge of the force.

West Yorkshire PCC, Mark Burns-Williamson, said: “This morning I suspended the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire, Mark Gilmore.

“The reason for this suspension is as a result of information I have received from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) arising from an investigation announced by them earlier this week.

“I would like to stress that the suspension of the Chief Constable is a necessity in the public interest until the full facts have been established.”

Mr Burns-Williamson has referred the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Mr Burns-Williamson added: “I sincerely hope that the PSNI investigation is concluded quickly in a way that could allow me to lift the suspension and Mr Gilmore to return to his post and continue the vital work to ensure communities are safer and feel safer.

“I will be keeping the suspension under review as the PSNI investigation proceeds and in the meantime I have asked Deputy Chief Constable, Dee Collins, to act up as Chief Constable for West Yorkshire.”

Temporary Chief Constable Dee Collins said she hoped the investigation will come to a speedy conclusion and reassured the public that normal service will be maintained.

“A short time ago, I briefed senior colleagues and we are all agreed that the most important thing now is to maintain our focus on serving the public.

“People should feel reassured that day to day service is unaffected and their Neighbourhood Policing Teams will continue to provide the local service they value.”