A FORMER Cheshire Police superintendent is being investigated over claims he misrepresented his past by wearing a Falklands War campaign medal.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an investigation into what it described as concerns about Nick Adderley’s “potential misrepresentation of his military service”.

Mr Adderley, who left Cheshire in 2010 after 18 years with the force, said he always wore his own medals alongside two medals his brothers gave him to wear when one became critically ill and one moved overseas.

As well as expressing disappointment at what said he were “leaked” details of a “very personal family issue”, Mr Adderley said he had changed the side of his chest on which he wore his brothers’ medals after seeking advice last week.

Mr Adderley, who is now Chief Constable of Northamptonshire, said in a statement: “I have been made aware of a complaint in general terms but have not had any notices served upon me by the IOPC.

“It is disappointing that someone has leaked such details about what I deem to be a very personal family issue that I have yet to respond to formally.

“Consequently, I am restricted in what I can say, but I have always been keen to respond to such issues directly and openly. Hence, it is important that I state for the public record that I am very proud of my cadet, Royal Navy and police service.”

He added: “Coming from a military family, I wear all my medals with pride and have always worn the two medals my brothers gave me to wear when one became critically ill and one emigrated, alongside my own.

“Having been made aware of this complaint, which has a private family impact upon me personally, I immediately took advice last week regarding the protocol and have changed the side of my chest on which these medals are worn.

“I look forward to providing the IOPC with a fulsome response at the earliest opportunity and I fully appreciate that they have a job to do.”

A report in a national newspaper said Mr Adderley, who was aged 15 during the Falklands War, had repeatedly been pictured wearing a South Atlantic Medal.

A spokesperson for the IOPC said: “We can confirm following assessment of a referral from the Office of the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire we have begun an investigation into allegations against the chief constable.

“The allegations relate to concerns about potential misrepresentation of his military service and communications with the police, fire and crime commissioner.

“Our enquiries are at an early stage.”