Shame-Facedbook

Nov 26 2007

A 'cross-dressing cop' sparked a Midland police probe after posting embarrassing photographs of himself on the internet.

Richard Allen pouted in a wig and make-up for pictures on his Facebook webpage, where he claims to be a chief superintendent.

Other photos on the social networking site show him posing in what looks like a joke robber's mask on a night out with rugby club pals.

Days after the Sunday Mercury contacted West Midlands Police about the site, it was swiftly taken down.

But the force has refused to confirm whether Mr Allen is a serving officer, claiming to do so could break Data Protection laws.

In a brief statement, a force spokesman said: "We have looked into the matter and found no cause for further action or comment.

"We will not confirm or refute the identity sought, as it would breach privacy and data protection laws."

'Chief Superintendent' Allen has a main picture on his profile, where he looks respectable enough in a dinner suit.

But a closer look at his other photos reveals shots of him dressed as a woman on a boozy night out with friends.

His online profile also includes a function called 'Are you interested?', which allows friends to rate how much they fancy him.

Last night, John Mellor, a retired West Midlands Chief Superintendent, said he would be very concerned if a serving police officer was posting such pictures.

"In my day it would not have been permitted and you would have been hauled before the Chief Constable to explain yourself," he said.