AN INVESTIGATION is being launched into allegations ex-Merseyside chief constable Sir Norman Bettison was involved in the attempted sale of stolen platinum while a serving police officer 26 years ago.
Derbyshire Polce will probe the allegation that two men, one claimed to be Mr Bettison, were recorded on CCTV attempting to sell a “large quantity” of stolen platinum wire to Sheffield firm Johnson Matthey on August 11, 1987.
The valuable wire, used to monitor temperatures in the steel-making process, is believed to have belonged to another Sheffield firm where Mr Bettison’s alleged accomplice worked.
In November Nottinghamshire MP John Mann asked he Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) to look into the claims.
The IPCC has referred the claims back to South Yorkshire Police, which has in turn asked Derbyshire to investigate.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the Independent Police Complaints Commission will not be investigating this matter and has referred it back to the Force to progress.
“South Yorkshire Police has now referred this to an independent force, Derbyshire Constabulary, to look into and take any appropriate action.”
Mr Mann said: “It is good to see this isn’t being swept under the carpet.”
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