Police have pledged to investigate claims that the son of one of its beat officers has allegedly sold drugs.

A report in a national newspaper yesterday alleged that 18-year-old Stuart Vincent, son of Eccleshill Community Action Team and Idle beat manager PC Gary Vincent, had sold crack cocaine and heroin to an undercover reporter.

Acting Superintendent Allan Doherty, of Eccleshill police, pledged that any allegations of wrongdoing would be investigated but he said that the report in the News of the World had been unfair to PC Vincent.

"I'm disappointed in the story. I believe it's very unfair to PC Vincent. My understanding is that he doesn't live with his son, who is by a former marriage.

"The article insinuates that in some way this man can operate free from being arrested because his dad is a police officer. That's extremely unfair. The police will treat him exactly the same as anybody else who has broken the law.

"His father had done nothing wrong and is a victim in this like everyone else. He's a very good police officer and he's deeply upset by this.

"I will be writing to the News of the World and asking them to provide us with details of the offences. If they are correct we shall take action."

PC Vincent was not available for comment.

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