A SENIOR fire officer has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving following an incident on Friday evening.

Cleveland Fire Brigade (CFB) is aware of the arrest but could not identify the officer. 

However, it is believed to be Gary Cawley of CFB’s Risk Management Services.

Ian Hayton, Chief Fire Officer of Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “We have been made aware by Cleveland Police of a serious allegation about a member of staff. We will be fully co-operating with the police investigation.

“In addition I will be conducting an internal disciplinary investigation into this matter. We will not be commenting further until any resulting legal proceedings have concluded.”

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “We were called to reports that a car had collided with a fence on Egerton Road in Hartlepool at around 9.10pm on Saturday, March 25.

"Following an initial investigation, a 52-year-old man was arrested and subsequently charged with drink driving and will appear at Teesside Magistrates Court in due course.”