Jersey police chief suspended
A £4 million inquiry into child abuse on Jersey lies in tatters after senior officers revealed police were relying on discredited evidence.
Deputy chief officer David Warcup ruled out murder and criticised operations as it was reported locally that the island's most senior officer, Graham Power, has been suspended.
The island's former deputy chief officer, Lenny Harper, was wrong in suggesting youngsters might have been murdered at Haut de la Garenne children's home, which closed in 1986, Mr Warcup said.
Mr Power walked into BBC Radio Jersey's studios to tell journalists he had been suspended, the station spokeswoman said.
He "strenuously denied" wrongdoing.
In a statement delivered to the station, he said: "Today I have been suspended from duty with immediate effect pending an investigation in relation to my role in the historic child-abuse inquiry.
"I strenuously deny any wrongdoing and will rigorously contest any allegations in respect of my role.
"All parties involved have agreed that the suspension is to be regarded as neutral and that there should be no public comment on the nature of the allegations at this time.
"In view of this undertaking, I am not able to give further details.
"I have been offered an opportunity to retire from my role as chief officer by the Minister for Home Affairs, but have chosen instead to contest the allegations."
