WILTSHIRE Chief Constable Patrick Geenty will continue working while the Independent Police Complains Commission investigates allegations against him of gross misconduct.

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson issued a statement today saying: "My role as commissioner is to represent the people of Wiltshire and Swindon in police and crime matters.

"After giving careful consideration to information I have received from the IPCC, together with independent legal advice which my office commissioned, I have decided that the public interest would be best served by Mr Geenty continuing in his role whilst the IPCC investigation is underway.

“I am required to consult the IPCC on this decision and I have done so.

"The purpose of an investigation is to establish the facts behind a complaint and that is what I am waiting for.

"Nothing has been placed before me at this stage which, in my judgment, would justify suspension. If new evidence is produced by the enquiry team, I will review my decision.”

The chief constable, an inspector and a detective constable are accused of withholding information from a complainant on the force’s handling of a sex abuse investigation in 2009.