Cheshire Police Federation is offering support to any officers affected by the investigation concerning the conduct of Cheshire chief constable Simon Byrne.

Last month it was announced Mr Byrne had been suspended from duty after police and crime commissioner (PCC) David Keane determined he has ‘a case to answer for gross misconduct’.

Precise details have not been disclosed but the PCC considers Mr Byrne has a case to answer with regards to ‘authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct’.

Mr Keane previously ordered an independent inquiry into claims surrounding Mr Byrne’s conduct which was carried out by another force.

After receiving the investigation report, he made the decision to suspend the chief constable pending an independently chaired gross misconduct hearing. Deputy chief constable Janette McCormick is currently acting chief constable.

Cheshire Police Federation, which is the statutory staff association for police constables, sergeants, inspectors and chief inspectors, has issued a statement on its Facebook page.

It reads: “Cheshire Police Federation has been updated in relation to the investigation into the alleged conduct of the chief constable. We have and continue to provide welfare and support to members who may be affected by this investigation.”

Cheshire's chief constable Simon Byrne with police and crime commissioner David Keane

PCC Mr Keane, who was elected to the role in 2016, said last month: “Following allegations made in late 2016 against chief constable Simon Byrne and following advice from the IPCC (Independent Police Complaints Commission), a local investigation conducted by an external police force has been underway in accordance with the statutory police conduct regime.

“Following receipt of the investigation report, and having carefully considered the evidence, I have determined that there is a case to answer for gross misconduct with regards to authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct. This matter must now be referred to an independently chaired gross misconduct hearing.

“In light of this determination, I consider that the public interest requires that Mr Byrne be suspended pending the conclusion of the hearing. Deputy chief constable McCormick will be undertaking the role of acting chief constable. I will not be making any further comment on the matter at this time in order to preserve the integrity of the on-going process.”