A PAIR of senior Gwent Police officers are facing possible criminal charges over an alleged sex attack at a chief constable's leaving party.

Chief Superintendent Mark Warrender, head of CID for Gwent Police, was suspended after a complaint from a woman officer following the retirement bash.

His temporary assistant chief constable Marc Budden was also suspended for alleged misconduct in the probe.

The pair were accused following the leaving do of former Chief Constable Julian Williams as he left the £138,500-a-year role in June last year.

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A criminal investigation was undertaken by an outside police force and overseen by the police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

The IOPC say that following a year-long probe a file has been handed to the CPS to consider if criminal charges should be brought.

A spokesperson said: "The investigation carried out by Avon and Somerset Police, managed by the IOPC, into the conduct of senior Gwent Police officers associated with an event in Cardiff on June 28 last year has concluded.

"Since completion of the investigation in July this year, we have decided to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether any criminal charge should be brought against any officer.

"Relevant material, including the investigation report, is in the process of being sent to the CPS for their consideration."

Mr Warrender joined the force in 1996 and is the head of the criminal investigation department.

Mr Budden joined the force in 1993 and was in charge of neighbourhood policing, partnerships and uniform operations before becoming temporary assistant chief constable.

The champagne and beer farewell party began at the force HQ in Cwmbran before moving onto a nightspot in Cardiff.

All the high-ranking officers from the 1,300-strong Gwent force were invited to the leaving party for Chief Constable Williams - along with another chief constable from the neighbouring South Wales force.

Other officers are being investigated for misconduct but have not been suspended after protesting their innocence.

Former Chief Constable Williams, 54, spent two years in the top role at the force. He had racked up 30 years in service including 25 years with South Wales Police.

The officer was appointed Chief Constable of Gwent Police on August 1, 2017 after first joining as Assistant Chief Constable.

His said his aim in the role was to prioritise dealing with complex crime while maintaining a community-based force.

After announcing his retirement he praised Gwent Police officers for their "energy and professionalism."

He said: "It has been a huge privilege to work in Gwent Police for the last five years and a real honour to be the Chief Constable of the force for two years.

"I have always been impressed by the commitment, energy and professionalism displayed by my colleagues in the force."

Officers from the neighbouring Avon and Somerset Police travelled 35 miles over the Welsh border to carry out interviews with police officers at the event.