ONE of Lancashire's top policemen is off work after being arrested in connection with an alleged assault on his wife.

Headquarters-based Supt Clive Helliwell was arrested by members of his own force after police received a complaint at 4.30pm last Wednesday from a woman saying she had been assaulted at her home address in Penwortham.

A spokesperson at Lancashire Constabulary headquarters at Hutton said a 47-year-old man had been arrested.

She said they were not naming him as it was force policy not to reveal the identities of people who had been arrested and not charged.

She confirmed that the man was a serving officer and said he was taken to Bamber Bridge police station for questioning and then released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The spokesperson said the woman did not make an official complaint and in the absence of any other evidence a decision was made not to prosecute.

She added: "The officer is not at work, he has gone sick.

"No decision has been taken about any internal action which may be taken."

Chief Constable Pauline Clare has been kept fully briefed about the situation.