Pat Geenty, chief constable of Wiltshire Police, will stay in his job while investigations are carried out into the way the force handled allegations of sexual abuse it has been confirmed.  

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating Mr Geenty, as well as an inspector and detective constable, over complaints about a sexual abuse investigation in 2008 and 2009.

On Monday, Mr Geenty said he was shocked by the allegation that he attempted to mislead a complainant and welcomed "an open and transparent investigation".

Today, Angus Macpherson, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: "On Monday the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) announced that it was investigating the Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, Patrick Geenty, in relation to the way the Force dealt with complaints between 2008-10.

"The investigation comes after I contacted the IPCC on 29 August 2014. I made this contact after considering complaints which were referred to my office by the force earlier that month.

"In line with process, yesterday afternoon Mr Geenty was served papers by the IPCC. As expected, these papers outlined allegations which, if proved, would amount to gross misconduct.

"My role as Commissioner is to represent the people of Wiltshire and Swindon in police and crime matters.

"After giving careful consideration to information I have received from the IPCC, together with independent legal advice which my office commissioned, I have decided that the public interest would be best served by Mr Geenty continuing in his role whilst the IPCC investigation is underway.

"I am required to consult the IPCC on this decision and I have done so.

"The purpose of an investigation is to establish the facts behind a complaint and that is what I am waiting for.

"Nothing has been placed before me at this stage which, in my judgment, would justify suspension. If new evidence is produced by the inquiry team, I will review my decision.

"It would not be appropriate to make any further comment whilst the IPCC investigation is underway."