Cleveland Fire Brigade's chief fire officer Peter Rickard, and the brigade's headquarters

A probe into a leading North East fire officer has closed due to "no evidence" to support the allegations. Chief fire officer Peter Rickard was the subject of an independent investigation following a complaint.

The nature of the complaint was not confirmed. However, the investigation has been completed and Cleveland Fire chiefs have stated "there will be no further action, and the matter is now closed."

Teesside Live reports that the process was being "managed entirely" by an "appointed external party" in order to ensure impartiality and fairness. Mr Rickard has held the leading position at Cleveland Fire Brigade since 2024 when he took over following the retirement of previous boss Ian Hayton.

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