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National Police Federation Chief Suspended

The National Chair of the Police Federation in England and Wales (PFEW) has been suspended.

John Apter, a former Isle of Wight police officer, is understood to have also been suspended from duty by Hampshire Police.

In a statement, the PFEW, said:

“We have been informed that the National Chair of the Police Federation has been suspended from duty by Hampshire Police whilst an investigation is undertaken.

“As a result, he is also currently suspended from his current PFEW role.

“PFEW has acted as swiftly as possible in conjunction with the force.

“The investigation is being undertaken by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“We are unable to comment on this matter until the investigation has concluded.

“National Vice-Chair Ché Donald will be fulfilling all PFEW commitments in this area until further notice.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct, said:

“We can confirm that, on Friday 17 December, we received a referral relating to a police constable from Hampshire Constabulary and we have started an independent investigation.

On Monday 20 December,  the officer was served with a notice of investigation for potential breaches of police professional standards relating to four separate alleged incidents.

“They were also advised they are subject to criminal investigation, for sexual touching contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, in relation to two of those alleged incidents.”

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