A watchdog says it is “deeply concerned” by reports that a North East firefighter was promoted while being investigated for an alleged rape.
ITV News reported on Thursday evening that a serving firefighter at the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service was given a new management job while under investigation. Chief fire officer Chris Lowther has admitted to being aware of the rape allegation, which did not lead to further police action, and allowed the unnamed firefighter’s promotion to go ahead.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it was “deeply concerned by these allegations”. The ITV report also included accusations from a former firefighter that she had been bullied and sexually harassed – including having her kit tampered with and being left alone in a blaze.
