The sergeant behind Falmouth police's Gangnam Style video, which raised thousands of pound for charity, has been suspended pending an investigation into an allegation of misconduct in public office.
Sergeant Gary Watts made national headlines earlier this year when he persuaded fellow police officers and locals to join him in parodying the chart-topper by South Korean singer Psy.
Sgt Watts, a neighbourhood team leader in Falmouth, had thousands of followers on Twitter and won widespread praise for promoting a positive image of the force.
But it has now been confirmed that the former RAF serviceman has been temporarily removed from his post, pending an internal inquiry.
Exact details of the complaint have not been made public, although it is understood that the investigation does not relate to Sgt Watts's use of social media.
The force confirmed it is investigating allegations of gross misconduct and misconduct in public office.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "An officer is being investigated in relation to this matter and has been suspended as a result.
"The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission by the force. The force's policy is not to name officers whilst under investigation.
"The officer in question has not been charged with any offence and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."
In recent weeks, Sgt Watts's profile on Twitter – in which he describes himself as a "local policing sergeant in Falmouth, Cornwall. Interested in collaboration, tech, extreme sports and pasties" – has changed.
Having openly posted some 22,000 tweets and gained 12,100 followers, his messages are now "protected".
His account now says "Only confirmed followers have access to @SgtGaryWatts' tweets and complete profile."
In January, he starred in an online video with colleagues after vowing to make the Gangnam Style video if he reached 5,000 followers on the social networking website Twitter before the end of last year.
The video was launched on YouTube to raise money for adaptations to the home of Joshua Wilson, a young boy from Lancashire who had surgery on a brain tumour.
It went on to be a huge hit and has so far been viewed more than 108,000 times.
Within hours of being released, the video raised thousands of pounds help with adaptations to Joshua's home.
Sgt Watts could not be contacted for comment.
