Stephen Corbishley, the Commissioner of Police, is threatening legal action in response to attacks made against him on social media, believed to be by disgruntled fellow police officers.

A WhatsApp post has been widely circulated, in which a number of allegations have been made against the commissioner.

The post attacked the commissioner broadly on both a professional and personal level, the contents of which The Royal Gazette has taken the decision not to share.

Mr Corbishley said in a statement last night: “This evening I was made aware of a post personally relating to the office of commissioner that is circulating on WhatsApp.

“On a professional front, I am offended by its content. On a personal level, I am deeply upset by some of the suggestions contained within, not least as they are wholly untrue.

“I have this evening referred this matter to my lawyer to legally deal with any attempts to publish its content, which includes sharing it on social media, ie, publishing, or indeed any person identified as the author(s).

“I do not feel any necessity to defend any of the subjects contained within this ‘post’ as the true facts speak for themselves.”

Mr Corbishley added: “However, I am of the conclusion that this communication, given its style of language and content, has come from a small minority of officers within the BPS who are aggrieved to being rightly addressed for their standards of unprofessional behaviour.

“Despite these comments, I will continue our work in regards to standards of professional behaviour without fear or favour and renewed vigour.”