A POLICE chief who resigned a week ago did so because of allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women, The Northern Echo has learned.

Cleveland Police Chief Constable Mike Veale resigned last Friday – almost a month after allegations came to light.

Before accepting Mr Veale’s resignation and announcing the allegations to the force, Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger had nearly a month to secure an interim chief constable and refer the matter to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).

Mr Coppinger declined to comment on the nature of the allegations when questioned earlier this week, saying he had to protect whistleblowers, and this message was reiterated by his spokesman yesterday.

But questions are being raised over why it took him so long to take action.

He told The Northern Echo this week that he had been made aware of the allegations just before Christmas.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said last night: “If it is true that the allegations came to light before Christmas I am concerned why it took so long for any action to be taken.

The Northern Echo:

“It raises concerns about the ability of the force to investigate allegations quickly and the competence of Barry Coppinger to act quickly, which just shows his incompetence in his role and that he is letting the force down, and why officers feel there is a lack of support.”

Mr Veale quit on Friday after being accused of serious misconduct only ten months into his role.

A spokesman for Mr Coppinger said the PCC was "satisfied that these allegations have been handled lawfully, reasonably and fairly by the Office of the PCC throughout".

Just 24 hours beforehand the allegations had been referred to police watchdog the IOPC.

It is likely that the IOPC will launch its own independent investigation into the matter, rather than allow the allegations to be investigated locally within Cleveland Police.

The troubled force has now appointed its fifth chief constable in just seven years with Lee Freeman brought in temporarily.