A VILLAGE policeman has been suspended following allegations that a signature on a witness statement was forged.
PC Paul Gallagher, beat officer for West Cornforth, County Durham, could face criminal charges following an investigation into claims that he attempted to pervert the course of justice.
The allegations are understood to relate to an investigation into a case of criminal damage in West Cornforth last November.
It is claimed that someone forged the signature of a witness on a statement they are supposed to have made.
The Crown Prosecution Service is expected to decide if any charges will be brought within the next two weeks.
A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: "A police officer has been suspended following an investigation that he attempted to pervert the course of justice.
"The allegation has been the subject of a full investigation and a file has been sent to the Crown Prosecution Service."
PC Gallagher, who is in his 30s and works mainly in Ferryhill and the surrounding area, was suspended from duty on Friday last week.
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