Senior North Yorkshire Police officer probed over speeding charge 'lie'

The IOPC said it was made aware of the allegation in November

A senior police officer is being investigated over allegations they may have lied to avoid a penalty for a speeding offence.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it was conducting a criminal inquiry into the unnamed North Yorkshire officer's actions.

It said a gross misconduct investigation had also been launched.

North Yorkshire Police said they were "aware" of the case but that it would be "inappropriate" to comment further.

An IOPC spokesperson also said it had been informed that the officer had been suspended from duty.

In a statement the police watchdog said it was looking into claims the officer "may have provided a false or misleading account to avoid receiving a sanction for a speeding offence".

They said the officer had been informed they were being criminally investigated for potential offences of misconduct in public office, improper exercise of police powers and intent to pervert the course of justice.

The misconduct case, meanwhile, relates to possible breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour for honesty and integrity; duties and responsibilities; and conduct, they said.

The IOPC said it had been made aware of the allegation in November but did not release details of the nature or date of the speeding offence.

IOPC Director David Ford said: "Where a serious allegation such as this is made, it is important for a thorough investigation to take place to uncover the facts.

"In light of the nature of the allegation and the seniority of the officer involved, this will be carried out by the IOPC, independently of the police."

He added that while a criminal investigation had begun that "does not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow".

Mr Ford said once the inquiry had been concluded a decision would be taken on whether to make a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision, and also on whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings.

Meanwhile the North Yorkshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe said that the IOPC performs a "vital role in independently investigating serious allegation of wrongdoing".

She added: "I would like to reassure the public of York and North Yorkshire that this does not affect the continuity of leadership in place within North Yorkshire Police and that the Chief Officer Team have my full support and confidence going forward."