Police chief Will Kerr faces serious allegations of sexual offences

The suspended chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police is being investigated over serious allegations of sexual offences in Northern Ireland.

Will Kerr was a police officer in Northern Ireland for 27 years before leaving in 2018.

In a statement on Wednesday, he said he denied any allegations of criminality.

Mr Kerr joined Devon and Cornwall Police in December where he is subject to a separate investigation.

This is being led by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over misconduct allegations.

He was suspended from his role in Devon and Cornwall by the police and crime commissioner on Wednesday.

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland said it had launched a criminal investigation on 16 June into "serious allegations of sexual offences".

In response, Mr Kerr said: "In relation to the statement from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland in which she named me as being the subject of a criminal investigation into serious allegations of sexual offences, I strenuously deny any allegations of criminality.

"I recognise and respect the fact that accountability and due process are vital to any investigation, regardless of rank or position," he continued, in a statement reported by PA.

"I will continue to co-operate with any investigation. I hope that all matters will be expedited so that they will be concluded without delay."

BBC News NI understands Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Simon Byrne made the Northern Ireland Policing Board aware of developments last week.

Mr Kerr served with the PSNI and its predecessor the Royal Ulster Constabulary and rose to the rank of assistant chief constable before leaving to join Police Scotland, where he became deputy chief constable.

On Wednesday, the PSNI said it was aware of a Police Ombudsman criminal investigation and would support the ombudsman as required.

It said details about the exact nature of the allegations against Mr Kerr and any early investigative actions remained confidential.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said as the allegations did not relate to his time at that force, it would be inappropriate for them to comment.

An IOPC spokesperson said it had "decided to investigate allegations of misconduct" against Mr Kerr.

This followed a referral from the Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner.

The IOPC later issued another statement, saying its investigation would consider whether Mr Kerr "may have breached police professional standards relating to serious criminal allegations currently under investigation by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland".

"We are also investigating whether inaccurate information may have been provided as part of a previous vetting process," a spokesperson added.

Ian Drysdale, vice chairman of the Chief Police Officers Staff Association (CPOSA), said Mr Kerr was suspended as part of "an ongoing inquiry into legacy misconduct matters for which he is yet to be interviewed".

"Chief Constable Kerr recognises and respects the fact that accountability and due process are vital to any investigation, regardless of rank or position," he added.

"He will continue to cooperate with any investigation and hopes that all matters are expedited so that they can be concluded without further delay."

During Mr Kerr's time with the PSNI he led on both serious crime and counter terrorism.

He was appointed an OBE in 2015 and was awarded the King's Police Medal in the 2023 New Year Honours.