NO ACTION will be taken against Hampshire Constabulary’s most senior officer over allegations of misconduct.

Simon Hayes, Police and Crime Commissioner, said Essex Police had confirmed in writing it found “no grounds to justify” the allegations against Chief Constable Andy Marsh.

The allegations relate to his handling of an investigation into rape claims at a special school near Romsey in Hampshire.

Mr Hayes said he had commissioned Essex Police to investigate “a number of complaints" against Mr Marsh.

He added: “Essex Police has concluded that there is no evidence of wrong doing by Chief Constable Andy Marsh. All complaints against the Chief Constable have not been upheld.

“In his letter, Chief Constable Steve Kavanagh (the senior investigating officer) confirmed that Hampshire Constabulary provided full co-operation to the Operation Oregon team and that Chief Constable Marsh gave the investigation his full support, and provided a full, detailed and helpful account, which he was under no obligation to do.

“Having previously stated my absolute confidence in Chief Constable Marsh, I welcome this news and look forward to receiving the final report.”

Mr Marsh said: “I welcome the outcome of the investigation, and I would like to thank everybody for their support over the recent months.”

The Crown Prosecution Service announced last month that nobody would be charged over allegations of sexual abuse at Stanbridge Earls School, after it reviewed a decision not to prosecute 12 people.