An independent police force is to investigate allegations that former West Yorkshire Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison was involved in the attempted sale of stolen metal.

The allegations relate to a bid to sell a large quantity of stolen platinum wire to a Sheffield company in 1987, when Sir Norman was an inspector with South Yorkshire Police.

The claims were forwarded to the Independent Police Complaints Commission which referred the allegations back to South Yorkshire Police.

The South Yorkshire force has now referred this to an independent force, Derby-shire Constabulary, to look into and take any appropriate action.

Sir Norman resigned as Chief Constable late last year following allegations of his involvement in a cover-up by South Yorkshire Police in the aftermath of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.

He has denied any wrongdoing.