Wiltshire Chief Constable Pat Geenty has spoken of his shock at being investigated by the police watchdog over the way his force handled allegations of sexual abuse.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating Wiltshire Police chief constable Patrick Geenty, as well as an inspector and detective constable, in relation to the way the force dealt with complaints about a sexual abuse investigation in 2008 and 2009.

It is alleged Mr Geenty, the then-assistant chief constable, the inspector and detective constable withheld information from the original complainants about the extent of the force's failings in dealing with the sexual abuse claims.

Mr Geenty said: "I am shocked by the allegation that I attempted to mislead a complainant.

"I welcome an open and transparent investigation and the public deserve no less.

"The IPCC is there to investigate complaints independently and hold chief constables to account.

"I expect my actions to be reviewed and scrutinised.

"I am committed to serving the people of Wiltshire and protecting children and vulnerable people.

"It is vital that we listen to complaints and learn from them."

The IPCC is now independently investigating three chief constables - Greater Manchester Police's Peter Fahy, Nick Gargan at Avon and Somerset Police, and Mr Geenty.

Wiltshire Police referred matters concerning the inspector and detective constable to the IPCC, while the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner referred issues related to the chief constable.

Today Angus Macpherson, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said today: “I can confirm that, on 29 August 2014, I made a referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) concerning the Chief Constable after considering a letter of complaint received by my office on 14 August 2014.

“This letter was with regard to the way in which a previous complaint had been dealt with by the force between 2008-10. That complaint was in relation to the way a case of historic sexual abuse had been managed.

"Following an initial meeting with IPCC investigators, my office is now in consultation with the IPCC on the matter.

"Deputy Chief Constable Mike Veale has made referrals to the IPCC in relation to the conduct of two other officers who were also involved in the handling of the 2008 complaint."

And a Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "Wiltshire Police can confirm that a referral was made to the IPCC relating to the way the force dealt with a complaint between 2008-10.

"They have informed us that the referral will now be subject to an independent IPCC investigation.
 
"The referral was regarding the conduct of two Wiltshire Police officers - an inspector and a detective constable.

“A separate referral from the OPCC was also submitted to the IPCC.

"This referral is regarding a third officer, the Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, who is also subject to an independent investigation by the IPCC regarding the above matter.”

PCC deputy chair Sarah Green said: "It is vital that the public are confident that police forces will take their complaints seriously and act with honesty and integrity.

"Our investigation will seek to establish whether information was knowingly withheld and whether these complainants were knowingly and dishonestly misled."

Mr Geenty joined the police service in 1982 having previously been a secondary school teacher in the Blackpool and Cheltenham areas, according to his force's website.

He served at forces in Gloucestershire and Humberside before joining Wiltshire in July 2009 as assistant chief constable.