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Cumbria Police Chief calls corruption claim 'absolutely inaccurate'

Cumbria's Acting Chief Constable Michelle Skeer has slammed reports another force is investigating an allegation of corruption and misconduct against her.

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Police watchdog confirms it stepped in after complaint against Michelle Skeer

Michelle Skeer. Credit: ITV Border

The police watchdog has said it intervened to ensure that an investigation into a complaint made against Cumbria Police's Acting Chief Constable, Michelle Skeer, was carried out by another police force:

In August 2015, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) received an appeal relating to an investigation by Cumbria Constabulary into an allegation made against current acting Chief Constable Michelle Skeer.

In September 2015 following an assessment of the matter, the IPCC upheld the appeal as statutory guidance for police forces, which states that investigations into senior officers should be carried out by another police force, had not been followed."

– IPCC spokesperson

Michelle Skeer has confirmed that Northumbria Police are currently investigating a complaint against her, but says the notion the complaint is linked to "corruption" or "misconduct" is "absolutely inaccurate".

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Cumbria Police chief 'facing misconduct and corruption probe'

Michelle Skeer Credit: Cumbria Police

Cumbria's Acting Chief Constable is reportedly facing an inquiry by another police force.

Michelle Skeer was asked in December to temporarily replace Chief Constable Jerry Graham who went on leave due to illness.

It was reported on BBC North West Tonight that an investigation into allegations of misconduct and corruption in office against Mrs Skeer was already under way when she was promoted into the role.

Mrs Skeer had recently been criticised for her handling of concerns raised over the death of Poppi Worthington in Barrow in December 2012.

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