Croydon’s borough commander is being investigated in connection with an alleged domestic dispute in Thornton Heath.

Chief Supt Jeff Boothe has not been suspended and is on ‘ restricted duties’ while investigations continue.

The incident happened when police were called to the home he was sharing with his partner and mother of his child in November.

The Chronicle understands he was arrested on suspicion of ‘common assault’ and ‘criminal damage’.

The incident occurred after the senior officer  broke off the relationship with the woman which resulted in the allegations and a dispute about custody of their child.

Victor Marshall, Professional Standards Co-ordinator for the Police Superintendents’ Association, the union representing the senior officer, said: “Ch Supt Boothe strenuously denies all the allegations and is co-operating fully with the investigation.”

When an individual is released under investigation it means that evidence is still being sought and gathered that proves or disproves the allegation. Advice will be sought from a Crown Prosecution Service lawyer which could result in no further action or a charge being pursued.

The woman who we are not naming has stood for public office and campaigned on safety and security but did not want to comment on the incident. Perhaps unwisely she set up an Instagram account for the young child which until recently had open settings with 10,000 followers and features Supt Boothe (pictured) in happier times at a family event.

Chief Supt Boothe is Croydon’s first black Croydon borough commander and during his tenure he has worked closely with community groups and overseen a 13 per cent drop in knife crime while other neighbouring boroughs have experienced increases.

Thornton Heath is the third worst ward in Croydon for crime and has disproportionately high levels of violence and sexual crimes. 

Recently local officers told the Thornton Heath Safer Neighbourhood ward panel that 80 per cent of these crimes are domestic related.

A Met police spokesperson said: “On Tuesday 27 November 2018, a serving Metropolitan Police officer was arrested on suspicion of common assault and criminal damage, following an incident that was alleged to have taken place in the borough of Croydon. He was subsequently released under investigation, and is currently on on restricted duties.”