The acting chief constable of South Yorkshire Police, who replaced David Crompton yesterday following the Hillsborough inquest findings, has offered to step down after it emerged she was being investigated over her conduct with a previous force.

Dawn Copley has "offered to step back to her substantive role" while another temporary chief constable was sought.

Ms Copley was one of several officers accused of "corrupt practice" by another officer, who was later sacked, while she worked for Greater Manchester Police.

South Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings said the decision was due to her not wanting "any further negative publicity or criticism to be levelled at the force".

Hillsborough families react to inquest conclusions Show all 10 1 /10 Hillsborough families react to inquest conclusions Hillsborough families react to inquest conclusions Relatives react after the jury delivered its verdict at the new inquests into the Hillsborough disaster, in Warrington Reuters Hillsborough families react to inquest conclusions Relatives of those who died in the Hillsborough disaster celebrate outside the Hillsborough Inquest in Warrington PA Hillsborough families react to inquest conclusions Margaret Aspinall holds a banner after the jury delivered its verdict at the new inquests into the Hillsborough disaster Reuters Hillsborough families react to inquest conclusions Relatives of the Hillsborough sing 'You'll never walk alone' as they depart Birchwood Park after hearing the conclusions of the Hillsborough inquest Getty Images Hillsborough families react to inquest conclusions Relatives of Hillsborough victims show their emotions as they depart Birchwood Park after hearing the conclusions of the Hillsborough inquest Getty Images Hillsborough families react to inquest conclusions Relatives of Hillsborough victims hug as they depart Birchwood Park after hearing the conclusions of the Hillsborough inquest in Warrington Getty Images Hillsborough families react to inquest conclusions Margaret Aspinall (C), whose son James died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, makes a statement following the conclusion of the inquest into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster Getty Images Hillsborough families react to inquest conclusions Relatives sing "You'll never walk alone" after the jury delivered its verdict at the new inquests into the Hillsborough disaster Reuters Hillsborough families react to inquest conclusions Relatives of Hillsborough victims hold up banners as they depart Birchwood Park after hearing the conclusions of the Hillsborough inquest Getty Images Hillsborough families react to inquest conclusions Donna Miller (R), sister of Hillsborough victim Paul Carlile holds up a banner as relatives depart Birchwood Park after hearing the conclusions of the Hillsborough inquest in Warrington Getty Images

Dr Billings said he had been made fully aware of the allegations when Ms Copley was originally appointed as deputy chief constable.

"As this matter has not yet been concluded I am unable to comment publicly on the allegations and the outcome but as soon as I am able, I will do so," he said.

"In the meantime Mrs Copley has my full support. However, Mrs Copley has made clear to me that she does not want any further negative publicity or criticism to be levelled at the force.

"In the interests of the force and the workforce she has therefore offered to step back to her substantive role to allow me to seek support from the College of Policing in identifying another Chief Officer from outside the force to act as Temporary Chief Constable until a recruitment process can take place."

He said she would stay in the post for a short amount of time to deal with pressing matters, but the stay would be kept as short as possible.

PM's Hillsborough tribute

On Wednesday, the chief constable of South Yorkshire Police was suspended over his handling of the Hillsborough inquest.

Dr Alan Billings said he had been left with “no choice” but to suspend Mr Crompton due to the “erosion of public trust and confidence” in the force following the verdict.