Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison is facing a further investigation by the police watchdog, it was revealed on Friday.

The senior officer was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) in September over claims that he gave misleading information in the wake of the Hillsborough disaster.

Two days ago, West Yorkshire Police made a second referral to the IPCC over claims that Sir Norman had tried to influence their decision-making process in relation to the Hillsborough allegations.

IPCC deputy chairwoman Deborah Glass said: "This alleges that he attempted to influence the decision-making process of the authority, that is the West Yorkshire Police Authority, in connection with the referral they made on September 18."

She would not be drawn further on the details of the claim.

bettinson

Bettison is facing questions over his conduct during the Hillsborough investigation

Last week Sir Norman announced that he is to retire in March, saying: "Recent weeks have caused me to reflect on what is best for the future of policing in West Yorkshire and I have now decided to set a firm date for my retirement."

He said he hoped his departure would allow the IPCC to "fully investigate allegations that have been raised about my integrity".

Sir Norman had previously denied altering any statements or asking for any to be altered. He sparked fury after the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report was published last month, saying that Liverpool fans' behaviour made policing the tragedy in 1989 "harder than it needed to be", and later tried to clarify the inflammatory statement.

This was also referred to the IPCC, but today Ms Glass said the watchdog will not investigate the comments.

"It does not seem to me that this is a matter requiring investigation," she said. "There is no doubt that he made the first statement, which many people regarded as highly offensive and which flew in the face of the report's definitive findings, and that he attempted to explain it with his second statement.

deborah glass

Deborah Glass said the IPCC will investigate Bettison's influence over the case

"It was unwise of Sir Norman Bettison to issue a press statement attempting to exonerate himself immediately after publication of the report. It was also insensitive and inappropriate to make reference to the fans' behaviour at all, bearing in mind that publication of the report represented a vindication for the fans that behaviour was not a factor.

"But given that no further investigation is required into these complaints I am referring them back to West Yorkshire Police Authority so they can decide what action to take in response to these comments."

West Yorkshire Police said Sir Norman had previously welcomed an investigation into Hillsborough and had nothing further to add today.

A spokesman said: "Sir Norman Bettison has consistently made the point since September 15, three days after the report was published, that these were matters that needed to be investigated formally and fairly by the IPCC.

"At the time, he immediately welcomed the Police Authority's decision to refer this matter.

"He is on record as saying he is keen to co-operate with the IPCC inquiry, but now that has been launched, he has nothing further to add."

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  • Hillsborough

    LIVERPOOL SUPPORTERS ARE HELPED AFTER BEING CRUSHED AGAINST THE SAFETY

  • Hillsborough

    Fan in despair after the Hillsborough Disaster

  • Hillsborough Tragedy

    Fans leave the ground after the disaster

  • Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - Hillsborough

    One of the fans who came to see the semi -final between Nottingham Forest & Liverpool, is led away after surviving the disaster

  • Hillsborough Tragedy

    The injured are carried away on boards by fans who came to see a game of football

  • Hillsborough

    Fans try to get away from the crush of the crowd as they pour into the ground

  • Hillsborough papers published

    File photo dated 15/04/1989 of Liverpool fans trying to escape severe overcrowding during the FA Cup semi-final football match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough. The families of 96 people killed in the Hillsborough tragedy will see thousands of official documents relating to the disaster for the first time today.

  • Hillsborough papers published

    File photo dated 15/04/1989 of a Liverpool fan at Hillsborough after their FA Cup semi-final football match against Nottingham Forest. The families of 96 people killed in the Hillsborough tragedy will see thousands of official documents relating to the disaster for the first time today.

  • Hillsborough papers published

    File photo dated 22/10/11 of a banner in memory of those who died in the Hillsborough tragedy at Anfield, as the families of 96 people killed in the Hillsborough tragedy will see thousands of official documents relating to the disaster for the first time today.

  • Hillsborough papers published

    File photo dated 15/04/2011 of a Hillsborough banner at Anfield, as the families of 96 people killed in the Hillsborough tragedy will see thousands of official documents relating to the disaster for the first time today.

  • Hillsborough papers published

    File photo dated 15/4/2009 of a hans paying tribute at the Hillsborough Memorial in Liverpool. he families of 96 people killed in the Hillsborough tragedy will see thousands of official documents relating to the disaster for the first time today.

  • Liverpool Prepares For Hillsborough Disclosure Day

    LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: The Hillsborough memorial is covered with tributes at Anfield Stadium, the home of Liverpool Football Club on September 10, 2012 in Liverpool, England. On Wednesday relatives and friends of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough football stadium tragedy in Sheffield on 15 April 1989 will see the full disclosure of all documents relating to the disaster when they are made public at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

  • Liverpool Prepares For Hillsborough Disclosure Day

    LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: The Hillsborough memorial is covered with tributes at Anfield Stadium, the home of Liverpool Football Club on September 10, 2012 in Liverpool, England. On Wednesday relatives and friends of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough football stadium tragedy in Sheffield on 15 April 1989 will see the full disclosure of all documents relating to the disaster when they are made public at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

  • Hillsborough papers to be published

    The front cover of 'With Hope In Your Heart' written by 51 year old Chris Whittle who lives in Burnley.

  • Hillsborough papers published

    Hillsborough Family Support Group members during a press conference at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral after the release of previously unpublished papers realting to the Hillsborough disaster.

  • Hillsborough papers published

    Hillsborough Family Support Group members Jenny Hicks (left) and Margaret Aspinall (right) during a press conference at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral after the release of previously unpublished papers realting to the Hillsborough disaster.

  • Hillsborough papers published

    Hillsborough Family Support Group member Margaret Aspinall, the mother of Hillsborough victim James Aspinall, during a press conference at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral after the release of previously unpublished papers realting to the Hillsborough disaster.

  • Hillsborough papers published

    Hillsborough Family Support Group member Trevor Hicks speaks during a press conference at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral after the release of previously unpublished papers realting to the Hillsborough disaster.