A Manchester Evening News investigation has led to the suspension of a police chief accused of removing evidence during a murder investigation.

The newspaper revealed that despite being the subject of a criminal inquiry - and an unrelated internal investigation - Detective Chief Inspector Kenny Caldwell planned to lecture at Manchester University on the subject of investigating murders.

The officer was to give two public lectures at the university, costing £24 a head.

And after the newspaper passed on its information to Greater Manchester Police, the officer was suspended on full pay.

A criminal inquiry was already being carried out by Lancashire Police after a murder case was thrown out, the judge citing the "deliberate misconduct of a senior member of the investigating team".

DCI Caldwell is also the subject of an unrelated internal investigation into allegations that he perverted the course of justice. He denies any wrong-doing and a file has been sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Following the newspaper's findings, the police force issued a statement which said: "In light of further and new information being brought to our attention, it has been decided to suspend a senior police officer.

"Suspensions from duty are procedural issues and are not an indication of culpability."

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