AN independent investigation is to be carried out by a North-Est police chief after a force breached guidelines on accessing data in a row linked to journalists' sources.

Phil Gormley, Police Scotland's Chief Constable, has asked Mike Barton, the Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary, to launch the probe.

The Scottish force accepts that its actions fell below the required standards in this instance.

The investigation is expected to focus on a number of non-criminal matters arising from the breach and was announced eight months after an official ruling on the issue.

In November, Sir Stanley Burton, the Interception of Communications Commissioner, said in a report that Police Scotland contravened the Acquisition and Disclosure of Communications Data Code of Practice on five occasions.

The Interception of Communications Commissioner's Office (IOCCO) conducted a review after fears were raised that officers had been ''illegally spying on journalists''.

Those five incidents are all said to be linked to the investigation into the murder of prostitute Emma Caldwell in 2005.

Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: "The Chief Constable, Phil Gormley, has asked Mike Barton, Chief Constable, Durham Constabulary, to conduct an independent investigation into a number of non-criminal complaints, which relate to matters connected to the breach of communications data protocols and guidance.

"Police Scotland has fully accepted that standards fell below those required in this case.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage given the investigation is to be conducted by Chief Constable Barton."

Derek Penman, HM Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, conducted a review of the force's counter corruption unit in the wake of the breach.

Work is ongoing to address the 39 recommendations he made in June following an inspection.