Essex fire chief officer is dismissed with 'immediate effect'

Essex's chief fire officer David Johnson went on long-term sick leave in June 2014 and was formally suspended in April 2015

The chief fire officer for Essex has been dismissed from his job with immediate effect.

David Johnson was suspended from his role as Essex's chief fire officer in April 2015.

A confidential Essex Fire Authority report showed Mr Johnson had faced 10 allegations but found no evidence of "misconduct or gross misconduct".

No reason for the sacking has been given by Essex County Fire and Rescue.

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Essex Fire Authority chairman Anthony Hedley said: "With immediate effect, today David Johnson has been dismissed as Chief Fire Officer for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

"This dismissal follows a robust process in compliance with the law in relation to statutory officers."

Mr Johnson said he had not yet been informed of the dismissal and said he now planned to take legal action against the authority.