Gloucestershire's top police figure has been temporarily suspended from duties with immediate effect pending a probe into accusations of gross misconduct.

News of the investigation from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) piles more bad PR news on the county's force, given that a separate hearing is due this Friday (October 11) at the force's Waterwells HQ into Special Constable Harper-Davies amid claims that the employee exaggerated previous police experience.

In a separate case, a student officer who served in the Forest of Dean for the Constabulary is also due to appear in Crown Court this week to face charges of rape.

Rod Hansen joined Gloucestershire Constabulary as Deputy Chief just over a decade ago in May 2013 and stepped up to the leading role four years later, becoming the Constabulary's 16th chief constable.

A fifth Dan instructor in Shotoki Karate, Mr Hansen's CV includes membership of the SAS's A Squadron, after which he went on to joining the ranks at Avon and Somerset Constabulary, policing South Gloucestershire, 34 years ago.

His force experience includes leading Avon and Somerset's surveillance team and reviewing child protection arrangements. As a senior investigator, he also investigated deaths in two other forces and played important roles in serious and organised crime investigations. As an experienced Strategic Firearms Commander, he has also commanded more than 300 firearms incidents and taken on a role as a a national assessor for this specialism for many years.

A Constabulary statement on Mr Hansen's past police work also states: "Since 2012, Rod has served as the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for mounted policing. He previously held the position of lead for police dogs for several years and currently serves as the national lead for aviation, overseeing helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and the police use of drones."

In a further statement, county Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson confirmed the suspension after "an alleged breach of professional standards" and indicated that it will be investigated by the IOPC, while a search commences for the appointment of an acting chief constable for the interim.

Mr Nelson said; "I have decided to suspend Mr Hansen from his role with Gloucestershire Constabulary pending the outcome of this investigation. I will emphasise that the decision to suspend is a neutral act. It has no bearing on any indication of guilt and should not be seen as such.

"I have spoken to His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Andy Cooke, after taking this decision. The Executive Board will provide continuity for the organisation."

He added: "I know that this will come as a shock to many in the county, especially to our hard working officers and staff, and to our partner organisations, but it is right that any allegations are dealt with consistently and investigated properly, thoroughly and swiftly. I have every confidence that the IOPC will do exactly that."