Northants police chief suspended over medal-wearing inquiry

Nick Adderley is being investigated by the IOPC over claims he misrepresented his military service record

Northamptonshire's chief constable has been suspended during a criminal investigation into his conduct over the wearing of military medals.

A complainant accused Nick Adderley of misrepresenting his military service.

He previously said he "looks forward" to responding to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) inquiry.

The county's police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC) said the suspension was in the interest of the public, the force and Mr Adderley himself.

The complaint allegedly relates to a South Atlantic medal awarded to those who served in the Falklands War between Britain and Argentina in 1982, which began when Mr Adderley was aged 15, initially reported by The Sun.

The chief constable previously said: "Coming from a military family, I wear all my medals with pride and have always worn the two medals my brothers gave me to wear when one became critically ill and one emigrated, alongside my own."

An IOPC spokesperson said: "We have advised the chief constable in a criminal letter that we are examining possible offences of misconduct in public office and fraud by false representation.

"After reviewing information gathered so far as part of our investigation, we have also served a gross misconduct notice on the chief constable for potential breaches of police professional standards relating to honesty and integrity, orders and instructions and conduct."

Northamptonshire's Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold referred a complain against Mr Adderley to the IOPC

PFCC Stephen Mold said: "Allegations of misconduct must always be fully, independently investigated so that the public have confidence in the integrity of the police service and the processes that independently hold policing to account."

His office added the decision to suspend would be kept under regular review and followed "careful consideration" and independent legal advice.

Nick Adderley joined the police service in 1992 following a career in the Royal Navy as a cadet and in regular service.

Northamptonshire Police has in the past stated that he served in the Falklands War.

The BBC has contacted the force and Mr Adderley for further comment.