BREAKING NEWS: Derbyshire fire chief charged with rape

Police confirmed yesterday that Sean Frayne, 47, would face charges relating to an alleged incident in 2006.

A spokesman for the force said: “Mr Frayne, who was arrested in February 2014, was charged yesterday afternoon and is due to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on Monday March 31, 2014.

“The charge relates to an alleged incident in Etwall in December 2006.”

A spokesman for the county’s fire service said: “Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Authority can confirm that Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Sean Frayne has today been charged to appear at South Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court. The charge relates to an alleged incident in December 2006.

“Mr Frayne has been suspended from his role as Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive until further notice. Derbyshire’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Andy Waldie, and Deputy Chief Executive Joy Smith will cover the responsibilities of the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive in the short term.”