Sussex chief inspector suspended over text claims
A senior Sussex Police officer has been suspended following an allegation that he sent an offensive text message.
Ch Insp Mark Ling, who is Hastings District Commander, was told a misconduct investigation would look into the claim, the BBC has learnt.
Details about the nature or content of the text message have not been revealed by Sussex Police.
A spokesman said the action reflected "the seriousness of an allegation of this nature".
The spokesman added: "This was not a decision taken lightly, but the nature of the allegation - the sending of an offensive text message - was such that it was felt that the force needed to take immediate action pending an investigation.
"It should be stressed that the allegations are yet to be fully investigated and the suspension reflects only the force's view of the seriousness of an allegation of this nature."
The force has not officially identified the officer.