Northamptonshire’s police chief is being investigated after being accused of wearing a Falklands War combat service medal – even though he was 15 at the time.

Nick Adderley joined the police service in 1982 following a 10-year career in the Royal Navy, serving as both a cadet and in the regular service.

It is alleged he sported the South Atlantic Medal, awarded to British military personnel and civilians for service in the 1982 conflict between the UK and Argentina.

The 57-year-old is accused of wearing it at several events, misrepresenting his military service.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation following a complaint.

The police watchdog said in a statement: “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 & Crime Commissioner. Our enquiries are at an early stage.”

Police Oracle, a police news website, also has an interview with Mr Adderley where he is described as having served in the Falklands.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Mr Adderley 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.

“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,” he added.

Read more UK news:
‘Major incident’ as school bus overturns on motorway
Boy appears in court charged with schoolgirl murder
Boy arrested after world famous tree cut down is released on bail

During his 30-year policing career, Mr Adderley has served with Cheshire Constabulary, Greater Manchester Police, Staffordshire Police – before being appointed Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable in August 2018.

It is not the first time Mr Adderley has courted controversy.

In April 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic, he threatened roadblocks and to search people’s shopping trolleys if members of the public did not adhere to government guidelines designed to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Related posts:

‘A devastating loss’: Tributes ahead of vigil for flower seller stabbed to death outside his stall Man handed suspended sentence for assaulting Professor Chris Whitty Tory MP and ex-minister James Brokenshire announces lung cancer has ‘progressed’ CCTV released of suspect after man, 61, killed in Birmingham hit-and-run Man who murdered wife on wedding night and put body in suitcase jailed for at least 21 years ‘A miracle nobody hurt’: Mercedes driven for more than 20 miles down wrong side of a motorway Harry may have rowed back on his racism claim – but the damage is done to the Royal Family Attempted murder victim ran into takeaway for help after stabbing Gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnoses in England hit record levels Images show dangerous depths of Scotland’s lochs in bid to keep swimmers safe ‘Curtsey to Kate? I don’t think so’: Royal biographer suggests reason why Harry and Meghan won’t return to UK Two XL bully dogs shot dead after killing 22 pregnant sheep – as owner fined