Charles Clarke has begun an inquiry into Nottinghamshire Police's ability to handle murder cases.

The investigation will be carried out by a team from the Inspectorate of Constabulary chosen by Sir Ronnie Flanagan, the new Chief Inspector of Constabulary.

The move comes after complaints from Steve Green, the Nottinghamshire Chief Constable, that his force is struggling to cope because many officers are being diverted to paperwork.

Announcing the investigation yesterday, the home secretary said the team would examine the force’s "capacity and capability to tackle murder and other serious crimes".

He said he expected a report from the Home Office team on his desk by April 4.