Somerset's temporary chief constable has called for two MPs to withdraw 'categorically incorrect' comments about the resignation of Nick Gargan made in a House of Commons debate.

The rare move comes after Tory MPs criticised investigators and police officials, saying Avon and Somerset police chief constable Nick Gargan was the victim of "trial by media and smear",

Former cabinet minister Liam Fox insisted Mr Gargan faced "irresistible" pressure to resign from Avon and Somerset Constabulary's top job before the facts of his case were known.

Fellow Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg claimed the force's police and crime commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens had "bowed to pressure, not because of mature, considered judgment" in seeking Mr Gargan's resignation.

And Ian Liddell-Grainger (Bridgwater and West Somerset) labelled a senior officer as a "poodle of the PCC" who "stabbed his boss in the back" for signing a no-confidence letter in the then chief constable before receiving a promotion.

However Chief Constable Gareth Morgan said: “During an adjournment debate this afternoon concerning the resignation of Mr Nick Gargan, a number of comments were made under parliamentary privilege which are categorically incorrect.

“Ian Liddell-Grainger MP claimed that Chief Superintendent Ian Wylie was promoted to Somerset as a result of signing a letter to the Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens, in his capacity as Chair of the Avon and Somerset Superintendents' Association.

"The letter expressed the views of the association with regard to Mr Gargan following the findings of the misconduct panel published on 9 July 2015.

“The truth is Ian Wylie was promoted well before the misconduct proceedings were even brought. He was subject to a robust selection process involving a properly constituted panel in September 2014. His posting as Chief Superintendent for the Somerset policing area was confirmed on 12 June 2015.

“Charlotte Leslie MP misidentified an individual as the whistleblower cited in the report of the misconduct panel into the allegations against Mr Gargan. The person she identified is not a whistleblower, nor are they mentioned in the report.

“My overriding obligation is to the duty of care to my staff who today have found themselves unnecessarily drawn into the broader matters concerning Mr Gargan. It is wholly inappropriate that they should be subjected to these inaccurate statements.

“Any repetition of these inaccuracies would be unfair and irresponsible. I have tonight invited both MPs to withdraw their comments.

"In speaking to Ms Leslie she indicated that she had already amended the record in the House of Commons for which I am grateful."