Police chief suspended in fraud inquiry

A high-ranking police officer has been suspended while allegations of expenses fraud are investigated.

Commander Graham James appeared before the Metropolitan Police Authority to hand over his warrant card on Monday.

He has been suspended from his £75,000-a-year position following a routine audit into the use of cars, drivers and expenses.

He is thought to be the most senior officer to be suspended by the Metropolitan Police Authority since it came into being in 2000.

A senior officer from another force will head up the investigation.

In a statement, the MPA said: "The authority has exercised its discretion to suspend the officer with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the investigation.

"The investigation concerns alleged non-compliance with MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) internal procedures by the officer and it does not involve any other officer or any third party.

"As is customary in disciplinary matters, the authority is not prepared to discuss specifics regarding the allegations or officer concerned."