Fire chief quits in porn claims

The head of West Midlands Fire Service resigned today after being arrested on suspicion of making indecent images of children.

Frank Sheehan was arrested at his home in Sutton Coldfield yesterday, police said today.

The 55-year-old, who joined the service in 1975, is said to have resigned due to personal reasons.

He has been bailed pending further inquiries and quit his job suddenly yesterday.

Councillor Peter Howard, head of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "Frank Sheehan has resigned from his post for personal reasons as Chief Fire Officer for West Midlands Fire Service with immediate effect.

"The Deputy Chief Fire Officer Vij Randeniya will be acting in the role of Chief Fire Officer.

"The Fire Authority has every confidence in the corporate board and the staff of West Midlands Fire Service who will continue to serve the communities of the West Midlands."

Staff said the announcement was a complete shock. It is believed Mr Sheehan, who became chief in 2003, was due to retire next September.

Last month it was announced four Black Country fire stations will close and be replaced by two new ones as part of a shake-up of the service in the West Midlands. Plans involve building eight new fire stations in total but closing 10 existing ones. In the Black Country, the service will shut Halesowen, Cradley Heath, Wednesbury and Smethwick stations and build one new station in the Halesowen-Cradley area and another in Wood Green, Wednesbury, near to the Walsall border.

There have been calls for the plans to be reconsidered following Mr Sheehan's resignation.

Mr Sheehan, who lives in Sutton Coldfield with wife Linda has a daughter, Rebecca. He has been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours and given a CBE for services to local government. He has also received the Queen's Fire Service Medal for services to fire safety. It is believed members of the Fire Authority were notified of the announcement last night but have not yet been told the exact reason for his resignation.