Complaint filed against deputy commissioner

The county’s highest ranking officer has filed a complaint over Deputy PCC Ibrahim Master’s involvement in an ongoing investigation.

The Gazette understands police spoke to him concerning allegations of harassment.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been informed and confirmed it is assessing the referral, although no formal investigation is underway at this stage.

It comes as the police watchdog is already investigating Lancashire’s PCC Clive Grunshaw after questions were raised over alleged irregularities in his expenses claims.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We can confirm the Chief Constable has referred a complaint over the conduct of Dept PCC Ibrahim Master in 
relation to an on-going police investigation to the Police and Crime Panel (PCP) and that the IPCC has been notified.

“A-49-year-old man from Blackburn was arrested in August following a report of a domestic incident at an address. He has been bailed pending further inquiries.

“During the course of the investigation two other men, aged 56 and 58 from Blackburn voluntarily attended a police station and were spoken to about alleged harassment. They have not been arrested and inquiries are continuing into this aspect of the investigation.”

Mr Grunshaw said: “I am aware that a complaint relating to the deputy PCC has been made to the PCP who referred the matter to the IPCC in accordance with regulations.

“As this matter is ongoing it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.”

Earlier this year, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped its investigation into allegations Mr Grunshaw had dishonestly claimed expenses, however the IPCC has since re-opened its own investigation into the matter.