COPS who made headlines by launching a Yuletide 'Lock 'Em Inn' for troublesome revellers have today been locked out of their own bar after alleged high jinks.

COPS who made headlines by launching a Yuletide 'Lock 'Em Inn' for troublesome revellers have today been locked out of their own bar after alleged high jinks.

A booze ban is in force at Ipswich's central police station and an internal inquiry was continuing today into a number of alleged incidents on one night.

Senior officers moved quickly to close the Civic Drive bar, a social club used by officers after work, immediately after the night in question.

The station has in recent years gained national publicity by being named the 'Lock 'Em Inn'…police in a quirky warning to revellers that seasonal drink-fuelled bad behaviour will not be tolerated.

But today, the cop shop is more like the 'Lock 'Em Out' thanks to the ban which prohibits the sale of alcohol until further notice.

The move was introduced last month after an investigation was launched into a number of alleged incidents which are said to have taken place on November 23, both inside and outside the station.

The matter has been referred to Suffolk Constabulary's Professional Standards Department, which is due to launch an enquiry in due course.

The beer, wine and spirits ban means officers will not be able to enjoy their favourite tipple at the bar until standards chiefs have finished their enquiries.

It is believed one of the alleged incidents took place outside of the station, and involved a police community support officer and a male officer.

Police were today remaining tight-lipped, refusing to divulge information on the details of the incidents until the conclusion of the investigation.

However, a spokesman issued a statement, which read: “The bar at Ipswich police station has been closed for the sale of alcoholic drinks, following allegations of misconduct on the evening of Friday, November 23 2007.

“An investigation has been launched into the alleged incidents by Suffolk Constabulary's Professional Standards Department.

“No decision will be made about reopening the bar until after the conclusion of this investigation.

“We will not discuss the nature of the alleged incidents or issue any further comment until the investigation into the allegations has been completed.”

Police would not comment on whether or not any officers had been suspended as a result of the alleged incidents.

It is unknown if officers from Suffolk police's headquarters in Martlesham will be involved in the professional standards department investigation, nor how long the enquiry will take.

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