The Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police has been suspended after being referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Chief Constable Will Kerr, whose force is responsible for Mid Devon villages on the edge of Wellington, has been suspended by the area's Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez.

Ms Hernandez has referred Mr Kerr to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the police complaints watchdog for England and Wales. A statement released by the commissioner's office read:

"Pursuant to section 38(2) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, has suspended the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, Will Kerr OBE KPM, following allegations of misconduct.

"The Commissioner has referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has confirmed it will commence an investigation."

A spokesperson for the IOPC confirmed they would be launching an investigation into Mr Kerr.

Mr Kerr was replaced by his deputy, and now Acting Chief Constable, Jim Colwell. Mr Colwell pledged the force would 'Maintain focus on delivering the best possible service to our communities.' In a statement he said:

"I understand our communities will be concerned about the reports in the media today regarding the suspension of Chief Constable Will Kerr KPM by the Police and Crime Commissioner [OPCC]. The PCC suspension of Mr Kerr follows a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“I am keen to reassure the public that we will maintain our focus on delivering the best possible service to our communities.

“We have thousands of dedicated and professional officers, staff and volunteers within our force and strong leadership throughout which, when pulled together, mean we can continue to make improvements at pace to provide our communities with the highest levels of service they deserve.

“Public trust and confidence are at the very heart of our ability to police effectively and we are incredibly proud that in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly we have the support of our communities.

“I will be stepping into the role of Acting Chief Constable on an interim basis to ensure consistency of leadership and service delivery of policing across the peninsula.

“This now remains a matter for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the IOPC to investigate.”

According to reports the suspension follows a 'crisis meeting' on Friday July 21 - just eight months after Mr Kerr assumed the post, and six months after receiving the King's Police Medal in the New Years Honours List.

It remains unclear why Mr Kerr is under investigation, but reportedly sources have said the issue relates to vetting.