Ex-chief constable referred to watchdog

The former chief constable of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the BBC understands.

Guildford retired on Friday after losing the confidence of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood following a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending a match with Aston Villa.

He faced numerous calls to resign after admitting providing incorrect evidence to MPs, which included the denial that AI was used in preparing a report which led to the decision to ban the Israeli club's fans.

Guildford is understood to have been referred to the IOPC for possible gross misconduct by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster.

Announcing his retirement, Guildford, 52, did not offer an apology and blamed what he described as the "political and media frenzy" for his decision to step down.

"I have carefully considered my position and concluded that retirement is in the best interests of the organisation, myself and my family," he said.

"It has been the honour of my career serving as the chief constable of West Midlands Police."

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