Police force to investigate itself over alleged corruption

A police force accused of "serious corruption" has announced it will investigate the allegations locally.

Surrey Police said the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had advised that its own professional standards department could look into the complaints following a review.

It comes after Chris Coghlan, the MP for Dorking and Horley, alleged the force tipped off suspects during a criminal misconduct in public office investigation into SEND officers at Surrey County Council.

Surrey Police says it takes any allegation about staff conduct "extremely seriously".

It added that its internal investigation was now under way.

"We will provide further updates as to the outcome of this investigation in due course," said a police spokesperson.

"It would be inappropriate to comment any further whilst it is ongoing".

Coghlan said he raised concerns with the IOPC in September over Surrey Police's decision to close two separate investigations into alleged misconduct in public office on the same day.

Both investigations relate to SEND officers at Surrey County Council.

SEND officers typically handle the assessment, administration and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities for local authorities.

The Liberal Democrat MP earlier had called the allegations "exceptionally serious".

He says the families involved have "already endured an extremely difficult process" and "need confidence that the police acted properly, that evidence was handled appropriately, and that the decision to close these investigations was made without improper influence".

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, X, and Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.