Cleveland Police officers suspended in misconduct probe

Two senior Cleveland Police officers have been suspended as part of an investigation into the way anti-terror legislation was used to spy on former colleagues and journalists.

In 2017 a tribunal ruled the force had acted unlawfully by using Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.

Following this, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched a misconduct probe.

The force has not named the suspended officers but said they were "senior".

It also said a senior member of staff had been redeployed temporarily to another role.

Earlier this month, the IOPC confirmed that notices of gross misconduct had been served to seven officers - five who are now retired - and one member of staff.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "The decision to suspend two officers and redeploy a member of staff has not been taken lightly and represents a proportionate and balanced determination in the interests of all concerned.

"Both are neutral acts and neither suspension nor redeployment are misconduct outcomes, nor are they a presumption of guilt or a predetermination of the outcome of an investigation.

"We continue to assist the IOPC and co-operate fully with investigators."