Navy commander steps down over claims of ‘unwanted' sexual behaviour
The commanding officer of a Royal Navy warship that tracks Russian submarines has stepped down after being accused of 'unacceptable sexual behaviour' with a subordinate.
Lt-Cdr Martyn Mayger, who commanded HMS Tyne, is under investigation following claims of 'unwanted' behaviour.
It comes just a week after Adml Sir Ben Key, the First Sea Lord, stepped down following allegations of a relationship with a female colleague under his command.
Lt-Cdr Mayger has stood down while the investigation takes place, The Times reported.
He assumed command of HMS Tyne in February.
Further details of the allegations, which are being investigated by the Defence Serious Crime Command, have not been disclosed.
The warship is responsible for patrolling the coasts of Britain and northern Europe, monitoring Russian task groups in the English Channel and protecting critical infrastructure such as undersea cables.
Last week it tracked a Russian submarine in the Channel as part of a Nato effort to monitor Moscow's activity in European waters.
It shadowed Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar as it made its surfaced journey back to Russia from the eastern Mediterranean.
HMS Tyne's executive officer has now been placed in temporary command.
Sir Ben remains under investigation in connection with separate allegations made against him.
The First Sea Lord, a married father-of-three, is alleged to have had a 'consensual' extramarital affair with a junior female colleague.
As a serving member of the military he is facing accusations that he has breached the Navy's 'service test', which prohibits relationships between commanders and their subordinates.
Sir Ben has been told to step back from all duties while the investigation is ongoing. Vice-Adml Sir Martin Connell, the Second Sea Lord, has taken temporary command in his place.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: 'We can confirm that a member of the Armed Forces is under investigation by the Defence Serious Crime Command in respect of these allegations.
'As the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further.
'We have a zero-tolerance approach to criminal and inappropriate behaviour. Our people can be assured that should they raise any allegation, they will be fully supported, and the matter investigated, with appropriate action taken as required.'
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