CHESHIRE Police’s chief constable is under investigation over his alleged conduct, it has been revealed.

David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, has ordered an independent inquiry into an allegation surrounding Simon Byrne, who has led the force for the past two years.

Cheshire Police have refused to comment on the exact nature of the allegation but Mr Keane added: “In the interest of openness and transparency, I referred this immediately to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) who have now passed this case back to me for a local investigation.

“This investigation will be conducted independently of Cheshire Constabulary in accordance with the statutory police complaints process.”

Mr Byrne’s career began in 1982 on the beat as a Metropolitan Police officer.

Three years later, he transferred to Merseyside Police where he worked in uniform, CID and at headquarters.

In 2002 he took on the lead role as the commander for policing in Knowsley in Liverpool.

He transferred to Greater Manchester Police in 2009 as deputy chief constable before returning to the Met in 2011.

Mr Byrne headed up the largest operational command in the country, running day-to-day policing in London and boosting neighbourhood policing teams across the capital.

In June 2014 he returned to his home county to be appointed as Cheshire’s chief constable.

Referring to the police probe, Mr Byrne said: “I am aware that an allegation about my conduct is being investigated by the police and crime commissioner for Cheshire in accordance with normal policy and procedure.“I do not know the detail of the allegation so am unable to make any further comment at the moment.

“In the meantime, I remain focused on my work in keeping Cheshire safe and fulfilling my national responsibilities.”