Colleagues defend suspended officer

The officer investigated the Birmingham car bombing

A high-ranking police officer was suspended because of a complaint made by a pensioner she met at church, according to the Police Superintendents' Association.

The decision by West Midlands Police to remove Detective Chief Superintendent Ellie Baker from her post has been criticised by the association.

It says the 50-year-old officer - who is being investigated by the Police Complaints Authority - has not committed any criminal offence and maintains the suspension is baffling.

Police Superintendents Association president Chief Superintendent Kevin Morris said the allegations relate to a complaint made by an elderly man the suspended officer met through a church.

I am still trying to get my head round how somebody can be suspended when she acted entirely properly

Kevin Morris
Police Superintendents' Association

Ch Supt Morris said: "He sent Ellie a series of gifts, which she returned because she felt it was inappropriate.

"He ended up posting them through her letterbox."

He added: "It seems he then made a complaint to the police.

"I am still trying to get my head round how somebody can be suspended when she acted entirely properly.

"I am bewildered by it all. This is clearly not a criminal offence."

Officer 'devastated'

Mr Morris said the association was providing Det Ch Supt Baker with legal representation as well as a special mentor to provide moral support.

He added that the officer was "devastated" by her suspension, which took effect last Monday.

West Midlands Police said Ms Baker was suspended amid allegations "relating to an external matter".

The officer led several high-profile cases, including the investigation into the failed car bomb in Birmingham in 2001.

She has been head of the force's crime support department for the past four years.