Devon and Cornwall Police are to ask another force to investigate allegations of fraud at the last general election.

And the force says any inquiry into the election of new Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez will also be dealt with independently.

In a statement issued today, Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: ’Following a programme aired by Channel 4 on 20 and 21 April, the Force received allegations relating to improper electoral campaign spending returns in Devon and Cornwall in the 2015 general election.

’I have decided that all allegations, irrespective of any constituency or any individual, within Devon and Cornwall will be transferred to another force.  I am therefore currently in discussion with other forces in respect of this.

’I have also spoken with the Chief Executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Police who is also making arrangements in respect of the PCC Elect Alison Hernandez in order that any matters relating to her may also be transferred to another force.

’It is imperative that the public and my workforce have confidence in this Force in respect of transparency, integrity and impartiality in this matter.’