A CHIEF inspector has been suspended after being investigated for allegedly having sex with a sergeant while on duty.

Misconduct papers were served by Sussex Police on Chief Inspector Rob Leet, who helps to oversee local policing, and Bexhill sergeant Sarah Porter, The Argus revealed earlier this year.

Neither was suspended at the time. But the force confirmed Chief Insp Leet has now been suspended and another officer is carrying out his duties while the pair continue to be investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) for alleged misconduct.

When asked whether any action had been taken so far against Sgt Porter, or if either would be facing public misconduct hearings, a force spokeswoman would not comment further.

The IPCC said: “The IPCC investigation into alleged misconduct by two serving Sussex Police officers is ongoing.

“Both officers have received notices confirming they are subject to an independent investigation.”

In March a force spokesman said neither officer had been suspended, adding: “Sussex Police Professional Standards Department is in the early stages of a gross misconduct investigation following an allegation of on duty sexual activity between two serving officers.”

Matt Webb, chairman of the Sussex Police Federation which represents police officers, at the time said he was aware of the matter and had spoken with the officers.

But he added: “From what I understand from the investigating officers, the current evidence is now indicating low level misconduct and not as per the original allegation.

“This would mean there may have been minor breaches of the expected standards and these would be dealt with internally to address any identified shortfalls.”

He confirmed that if they were found guilty, the pair would have not have behaved in an appropriate manner, adding the serving of misconduct papers was a requirement under law and not an admission of guilt.

The news came a week after Sussex Police merged the Eastbourne, Lewes and Wealden policing districts under one commander, Chief Inspector Emma Brice, who has been the Eastbourne district commander for the past two years.

Her role has expanded from Eastbourne to cover the position formerly held by Chief Insp Leet, who used to be in charge of Lewes and Wealden.

Mr Webb said he did not believe the move was linked to the investigation and blamed funding cuts which mean the number of chief inspectors is being reduced.

The revelations came days after Inspector Tony Lumb, who was based in Brighton, was arrested and suspended while the IPCC investigated allegations he had improper sexual relationships with women in the course of his duties. He was released on bail but the IPCC said it is since satisfied bail is no longer required.

The police watchdog said yesterday he remained under investigation but not under arrest. At the end of the investigation, the IPCC commissioner will make a decision on whether to refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service to decide if charges would be brought.