THE chief constable of Greater Manchester Police is to be investigated for criminal misconduct after a case against a child sex offender was allegedly poorly handled.

Sir Peter Fahy has been served with criminal and gross misconduct notices by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

The IPCC is looking into allegations against Sir Peter after another officer made a complaint against the chief constable and other officers.

One of the key allegations is that GMP let a teenager enter the home of a suspected paedophile who was under surveillance.

Sir Peter said: "As a chief constable you face making complex decisions on a daily basis about many high risk and challenging situations.

"It is right that this decision-making is scrutinised and that I am held to account as part of this investigation."

Greater Manchester's Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Lloyd, said: “It is clear that these are serious allegations which must be investigated thoroughly by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) as the appropriate independent investigatory body.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I do not have statutory investigatory power – that power must lie with the IPCC.

"I would stress that the IPCC is only at the beginning of its investigation into these allegations.

“It is my role to consider what action, if any, should be taken with regard to the chief constable during the course of the investigation.

"I have taken independent legal advice from a senior QC with expertise in this area.

"Nothing has been placed before me at this time by the IPCC which would make me consider the position of the chief constable.

“I have asked the IPCC to update me regularly on the progress of the investigation and I will keep this decision under review.

“I understand that this investigation will cause uncertainty and will be of concern to the people of Greater Manchester. That is why the IPCC must conduct its investigation both thoroughly and speedily.”