A SENIOR officer at Hyndburn council has been suspended from his job after being escorted from his office.

Town hall chiefs have not given a reason for the move but an inquiry is expected to be carried out in coming weeks.

The senior officer, who is not being named, is thought to have been interviewed by his bosses shortly before he was suspended from work.

Council chiefs have drawn a veil of secrecy around the suspension but say that there is no major investigation underway.

Julie Johnson, head of personnel, said: "It is true to say that a senior member of staff has been suspended from his duties.

"It is usual council policy not to discuss the personal details of individual members of staff and we are not prepared to give any further details at this time.

"There will be no major investigation and the police have not been called in.

"It would not make sense for the council not to carry out an inquiry after suspending a senior member of staff.

"We would hope to have this matter resolved as soon as possible."

Council officials will be checking through town hall records before making a decision on whether to carry out further action against the suspended officer. Council officer is suspended

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