West Yorkshire Police chief constable suspended

Mark Gilmore became West Yorkshire's chief constable in April 2013

West Yorkshire Police's chief constable has been suspended in connection with an investigation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Mark Gilmore's suspension was announced by West Yorkshire's police and crime commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson

Mr Burns-Williamson said: "The reason for this suspension is as a result of information I have received from the Police Service of Northern Ireland."

He gave no details about the investigation.

Mr Burns-Wiliamson added: "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.

"I have also referred this matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

"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."

The Conservative MP for Elmet and Rothwell, Alec Shelbrooke, described the suspension on his Twitter page as "deeply disturbing news".

Mr Gilmore, 50, was appointed to the position in April 2013, replacing Sir Norman Bettison who resigned amid investigations into his conduct following the Hillsborough disaster.

He joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary, the predecessor of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, in 1983.

He has previously worked as the assistant chief constable at West Yorkshire and the deputy chief constable at Northumbria Police.