SUFFOLK police were today due to face claims they forced one of their former detectives out of her job.Vivienne Yarham is claiming constructive dismissal against the force and was set to appear before an employment tribunal in Bury St Edmunds today.

SUFFOLK police were today due to face claims they forced one of their former detectives out of her job.

Vivienne Yarham is claiming constructive dismissal against the force and was set to appear before an employment tribunal in Bury St Edmunds today.

Ms Yarham, a former detective constable who worked for the force for 25 years, resigned her position in October last year and launched legal proceedings soon after.

Prior to leaving the force, she had worked as a source handler, which involved dealing with police informers.

Suffolk police were expected to call nine witnesses to defend their claim, including some of their top detectives in their crime management team.

Chief superintendents Stewart Gull and Geoff Munns who is sector commander for the Ipswich area were both set to give evidence.

Superintendents Dave Cole, Paul Marshall, Tim Beach, inspector Dave Dring, and detective chief inspector Jim Friend, of the force's professional standards department, were also due to take to the witness stand.

The panel were also due to hear from former detective inspector Stan Nicholls and the head of human resources Mick Pepper.

Anna Woolnough, spokeswoman for Suffolk police, confirmed the force would defend the claim.

She said: "Staff are our most valuable asset in helping keep Suffolk safe and Suffolk Constabulary prides itself on its good record in staff relations. We are disappointed that we have not been able to amicably resolve this issue without it coming to a Tribunal. However, we will co-operate fully with the enquiry.

"It would be inappropriate for us to issue any further comment at this time."

The tribunal, which was due to begin at 10am today, is set to run each day this week until Friday.