Scotland's most senior police officer is to remain on leave whilst he is investigated over alleged "gross misconduct".

Chief constable Phil Gormley has been on special leave since September last year after an investigation was opened into the alleged wrongdoing.

Mr Gormley, who denies the allegations, has been named as the subject of seven separate complaints to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) and the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (Pirc).

The SPA decided on Friday that he would remain on leave.

Earlier this month, it was revealed the police board had earlier voted to allow Mr Gormley to return to work in November but then reversed their decision following two meetings with the justice secretary.

In as statement, the SPA said: "The SPA, through its complaints and conduct committee, has agreed to continue the chief constable's leave of absence."

Former SPA chairman Andrew Flanagan was questioned over November's decision and reversal by Holyrood's public audit committee on Thursday.

He told MSPs: "It was clear to me that he did not want the chief constable to return at that point."

Mr Flanagan said he felt he had "no choice" but to reverse the decision as the justice secretary, Michael Matheson, thought it was a "bad idea" and was "very unhappy" about it.