South Yorkshire Police chief David Crompton suspended

Dr Alan Billings said he had been left with "no choice" to suspend the Chief Constable due to an "erosion of public trust and confidence" after the HIllsborough disaster inquest verdicts.

The news came hours after shadow home secretary Andy Burnham, described Crompton’s position as “untenable”.

Dr Billings said: "I have reached this decision with a heavy heart following discussions with David Crompton both in the run up to, and following the delivery of the Hillsborough verdicts.

"My decision is based on the erosion of public trust and confidence referenced in statements and comments in the House of Commons this lunchtime, along with public calls for the Chief Constable's resignation from a number of quarters including local MPs."

Dr Billings said the suspension was immediate "pending a legal process".

Mr Crompton is due to retire in November and Dr Billings said the process to find a new Chief Constable had already begun.

He added: "The new Chief Constable must provide strong and focussed leadership for South Yorkshire Police with an emphasis on building the trust and confidence of the public in the police force."

Rother Valley MP Kevin Barron said he "fully agreed" with Dr Billings' decision.

He said: "We must now give the Independent Police Complaints Commission time to conclude Operation Resolve which is the criminal investigation into the aftermath of the disaster.

"The IPCC have been supporting the inquiry by providing documents and other material to the coroner. It is now up to them and the CPS to conclude these investigations swiftly and thoroughly and appropriate action be taken."