JUST two weeks after taking over as Chiltern Vale police chief, Superintendent Charles Nelson has taken annual leave after allegations were made against him by his own staff.

The Free Press can exclusively reveal that Supt Nelson, new commander for the force in Chiltern Vale, which includes Amersham and Chesham, is at the centre of an internal investigation as to his 'actions' since taking up the new job.

Thames Valley Police are being tight-lipped about the nature of the allegations and have even refused to release a photograph of him.

Officers were called into top level talks on Tuesday to be told he would be standing down while the matter is dealt with.

Janet Malcolmson, senior press officer for the force, said: "This is the subject of an investigation to see if the allegations are factual and they have to be proved before we would go public."

She said Chief Constable Charles Pollard, responsible for the force, would not be making a comment on the allegations against one of his senior officers.

Married Supt Nelson, father-of-three and an Oxford graduate, was on secondment to the police inspectorate before beginning his role as commander. He has been a policemen for 26 years.

Paul Anthem, spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said: "Thames Valley Police can confirm they have received a number of reports from staff relating to the actions of the area commander of the Chiltern Vale police area.

"Superintendent Charles Nelson has offered to take a period of annual leave while inquiries into these reports are carried out.

"It is anticipated that this may take several months to complete. The Thames Valley Police is not prepared to comment further on the nature of these reports or the identity of any individual involved.

"You will understand that there are confidential issues involved and it would therefore be unfair to speculate at this time."

Don Phillips, Chairman of Chiltern District Council, confirmed that the council had received a letter from Thames Valley Police explaining that Supt Nelson had been moved from his post.

Superintendent Kathy Govier, currently head of corporate development at police headquarters in Kidlington and a former commander of Chiltern Vale, is likely to temporarily fill his shoes.

Police authority member Francis Robinson said: "Kathy has taken over in somewhat difficult circumstances but she will hit the ground running as she knows what the job entails."