Fire boss quits over porn arrest

Frank Sheehan resigned from his position citing personal reasons

The chief officer for the West Midlands Fire Service has resigned after he was arrested in connection with a child pornography inquiry.

Frank Sheehan was arrested in Sutton Coldfield on Tuesday as part of investigations into the making of indecent images of children.

West Midlands Fire Service has not yet made any public comment over the allegations.

The Fire Brigades Union said it was shocked at the allegations.

Mr Sheehan, 55, who was honoured with a CBE in June, is on police bail.

'Extremely surprised'

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said a 55-year-old man had been arrested in the Sutton Coldfield area on Tuesday on suspicion of making indecent images of children.

Councillor Peter Howard, chairman of the fire authority, confirmed Mr Sheehan had resigned from his post citing "personal reasons".

Deputy chief fire officer Vij Randeniya will take over his role.

Mr Sheehan became chief officer in 2003 and received his CBE for services to local government.

Dave Whatton, regional secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: "We are extremely surprised at the sudden departure of West Midlands Chief Fire Officer Frank Sheehan and shocked at the allegations against him.

"We will be seeking an early meeting with the acting Chief Fire Officer about the way forward for the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service."

Advertisement

Frank Sheehan was arrested at his home in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham