Mr Westwood was suspended by the Home Secretary

David Westwood was suspended on 2 July after the Bichard report criticised his force's handling of intelligence on Soham killer Ian Huntley.

Mr Westwood's deputy Steve Love said: "We note the Home Secretary's decision and await further developments."

A Humberside Police Authority document defending Mr Westwood is currently being considered by the Home Office.

Mr Westwood's suspension was the first time Home Secretary David Blunkett had used the Police Reform Act 2002 to order a chief constable's suspension.

He acted following the Bichard Inquiry report which criticised Mr Westwood after his force's failings allowed serial sex attacker Ian Huntley to get a job as a school caretaker in Soham, Cambridgeshire.

Huntley went on to murder 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in August 2002 and is now serving life in prison.

Humberside Police failed to tell Cambridgeshire Police about earlier allegations Huntley was a serial sex attacker.