INVESTIGATORS looking into claims of inappropriate behaviour by Avon and Somerset’s chief constable Nick Gargan have interviewed more than 40 people.

Mr Gargan was suspended by the force’s Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens last month following complaints from two women staff members.

After sending Mr Gargan, 47, home on full pay, Ms Mounstevens said he was ‘devastated’ and denied any wrongdoing.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission, which is investigating the complaints, has confirmed that 40 people have ‘provided information and intelligence’.

An IPCC spokesman added: “The investigation centres on allegations that he abused his senior position by making inappropriate advances to more junior female members of staff over a period of time.

“Mr Gargan has been served with a gross misconduct notice and we would anticipate that he will be interviewed by investigators once the information we have gathered has been analysed.”

A misconduct notice does not imply guilt – it simply means a police officer’s conduct is under investigation.

Mr Gargan, who joined the police in 1988, was appointed by Ms Mounstevens in March last year shortly after she became Avon and Somerset’s first PCC.

He replaced Colin Port, who stepped down after refusing to re-apply for his own job.

Deputy Chief Constable John Long is acting Chief Constable during the IPCC investigation.