A REGIONAL official of the Fire Brigades Union has been suspended from office after criticising the decision to call off industrial action while peace talks were held.

Bob Pounder, the union's Greater Manchester regional officer, launched an attack earlier this week on FBU general secretary Andy Gilchrist, reportedly accusing him of "selling out" by agreeing to new talks at the conciliation service Acas.

He reportedly said: "Mr Gilchrist has gone into this dispute roaring like a lion and is coming out bleating like a lamb."

The FBU confirmed today that Mr Pounder had been suspended pending an investigation. The union's executive decided earlier this week to suspend a planned eight-day strike from Wednesday.