Suspended police chief hopes to return to his post soon

Mark Gilmore, currently under investigation by his former force, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said he had spoken to PSNI detectives last week and had “co-operated fully”.

Detectives are investigating the awarding of PSNI vehicle contracts.

Mr Gilmore was suspended in June pending the investigation.

In a statement issued yesterday, Mr Gilmore said: “I very much welcomed the opportunity to meet PSNI detectives last week to discuss the normal and ordinary interactions I have had with individuals who have fallen within the scope of their investigation.”

He added: “I have co-operated fully and voluntarily from the start, and will continue to do so.

“I hope this will establish the facts quickly, to resolve the situation and to allow me to return to my post as the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire.”

Earlier this week, The Yorkshire Post reported Mr Gilmore could face bribery and misconduct in public office charges.

Detectives are preparing a file on him to be handed to prosecutors.

Seven men have been arrested as part of the probe.