NORTHUMBRIA Police Chief Constable Sue Sim is being investigated following complaints of discourtesy toward her colleagues, it has been revealed.

Responding to recent rumours Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird said: “Over the past few days, I have sought clarification about the issues raised by some officers.

“I am now clear that they wish to make complaints against the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police which merit investigation.

“The first step in the statutory process in such a situation is for me to assess the severity of any such complaint and I have done so.

“I have told the Chief Constable that there is a prima facie case to be investigated as to whether she is guilty of misconduct.

“The nature of the complaints to be investigated is that the Chief Constable may have fallen short of her duty as a police officer to treat colleagues with respect and courtesy.”

She added: “I have appointed Mr Joel Bennathan, QC of Doughty Street Chambers, London, a Recorder of the Crown Court, to carry out that investigation.

“Chief Constable Sim will not be suspended and this is not currently an investigation into gross misconduct.”

Chief Constable Sim said: "I have this afternoon been formally notified by my Police and Crime Commissioner that she has received complaints from a group of officers containing allegations about my behaviour.

"She has determined, in accordance with police regulations, that the matter will be investigated.

"I have advised her that I will, of course, cooperate fully with the investigation and I am keen to do so at the earliest opportunity in the interests of Northumbria Police and the public we serve.

"It would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment at this time."

Sue Sim shot to national prominence in July 2010 during the hunt for fugitive gunman Raoul Moat.

She had been appointed temporary chief constable of Northumbria Police just months earlier and achieved a high profile as the national media descended on the Northumberland countryside as the killer was tracked down.

The following year she was given the role on the permanent basis, becoming the first woman in the country to head a metropolitan police force.

Married with two children, she previously served as assistant chief constable of Northumbria after moving from north-west England, where she spent 19 years in the Merseyside force. She was appointed deputy chief of Northumbria in July 2008.