Chief constable of Lincolnshire suspended by PCC

Neil Rhodes was appointed in March last year

The temporary chief constable of Lincolnshire has been suspended from duty by the police and crime commissioner (PCC).

PCC Alan Hardwick said Neil Rhodes had been suspended while investigations into "potential conduct matters" were being considered.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said it is not formally investigating at this stage.

Deputy Chief Constable Alec Wood has been appointed acting chief constable.

In a statement, Mr Hardwick said: "It would be inappropriate at this time for the police and crime commissioner to issue further statements or give interviews."

Lincolnshire Police has not commented on the matter.

Jon Hassall, the chair elect of the Lincolnshire Police Federation, said he was surprised by the news.

"Suspensions are a relatively rare occurrence," he said.

Mr Hardwick was scheduled to discuss Mr Rhodes' future

"I have represented officers who have been suspended and some have come back when the investigation is complete and actions are vindicated."

Mr Rhodes took up the role on a temporary basis when the previous chief constable Richard Crompton retired at the end of March, last year.

Mr Rhodes was placed in charge until the end of March 2013, when his future was scheduled to be discussed with the new PCC.

His appointment followed a deal with private security company G4S to run an out-of-town custody suite at the force's Nettleham headquarters, near Lincoln.

He said the changes would save the force money for front-line police officers and police community support officers.

In November PCC Alan Hardwick said he would scrap the plans.