West Yorkshire Chief Constable Mark Gilmore was today suspended by the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner in connection with an investigation in Northern Ireland.

Mr Gilmore served in Northern Ireland earlier in his career before being appointed chief officer in West Yorkshire early in 2013.

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson said: “The reason for the suspension is as a result of information I have received from the Police Service of Northern Ireland arising from an investigation announced earlier this week.”

Deputy Chief Constable Dee Collins has been appointed Acting Chief Constable until the investigation is complete.

She said: “People should feel reassured that day-to-day service is unaffected.”

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has also been made aware of the situation.