A MARRIED senior police officer has resigned amid allegations of misconduct. Sergeant Pete Abrams stepped down from his post after he was made aware of the complaints against

A MARRIED senior police officer has resigned amid allegations of misconduct.

Sergeant Pete Abrams stepped down from his post after he was made aware of the complaints against him by two women.

It has been confirmed the allegations are of a sexual nature and it is thought the incidents took place at Clevedon Police Station.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary carried out a 'thorough' investigation but found no evidence any crime had been committed.

The 45-year-old, who is married to another member of police staff, was the community sergeant at Clevedon and formerly the deputy sector inspector at Weston.

Sgt Gareth Starr, who looks after the South Ward of Weston will now move to take his place in Clevedon.

Assistant chief constable Jackie Roberts said: "Due to the nature of the allegations, the officer tendered his resignation, which the constabulary has accepted."

However, the Police Federation, which represents all police officers below the rank of superintendent, has labelled her remarks as 'unjustifiable'.

Spokesman Alex Duncan said: "At no stage has Sgt Abrams indicated that his decision to resign was due to these allegations and statements to the contrary are entirely speculative. Comments from the force are unjustifiable.

"He has never been informed of the full details contained within the allegations and as such is not in a position to comment further.

"He would have seen a form with a couple of lines outlining the allegations."

Asked why resigned he said: "That is a matter for him and he gave it careful thought.

"We have not seen the full details of the allegations against him either."

The Independent Police Complaints Commission, which investigates complaints against serving police officers, confirmed it has received a referral from Avon and Somerset Constabulary last week, but as Mr Abrams is no longer an officer now considers the case closed.

Assistant chief constable Jackie Roberts added: "It was felt that, taking into consideration all the circumstances, this was the most appropriate resolution, and in the best interests of all parties concerned.

"We expect the highest standards from all our staff and on those occasions where they fall short of those requirements we are duty-bound to investigate."

During his time as an officer Mr Abrams raised money for Cancer Research UK by completing a 40-mile cycle ride with fellow officers.

After he transferred from Weston he inherited a team of four beat managers and a police community support officer.

Earlier this year he was involved in a joint scheme with Clevedon Local Action Team to set up a youth bus in the town, following a similar project which ran on the Oldmixon Estate in Weston.

The Weston & Somerset Mercury requested an interview with Mr Abrams through the Police Federation but he declined.