AN AMBULANCE boss is under internal investigation amid allegations that he "intimidated" managers conducting a high-profile probe into control room communications failures. Greater Manchester Ambulance Service operations director Mike Lloyd -- whose boardroom ranking is only topped by the chief executive and chairman -- has been formally accused by two senior staff members who worked on the "Billy Roache" investigation earlier this month. The two managers formed part of a five-strong GMAS team looking into how ambulance communications failures affecting Bolton and Wigan led to delays in paramedics reaching father-of-three Mr Roache, 36, who died of a heart attack at his home in Wigan.

During the investigation, the pair -- a man and a woman -- allege two separate incidents of "intimidation" by Mr Lloyd, who is responsible for the overall smooth-running of GMAS operations, including the control room. Today GMAS chief executive Adrian Lucas confirmed: "These matters are being investigated and will be thoroughly dealt with." A confidential memo leaked to the BEN also reveals criticism of Mr Lloyd over the allegations from investigation head Ken Neilson, a fellow GMAS executive director. The note -- dated October 8 and copied to GMAS chairman Alan Stephenson -- gives details about the claims.

It stresses the alleged intimidation "will not be allowed to get in the way of producing a fair, balanced and accurate report".

But Mr Neilson's memo also slams Mr Lloyd's alleged behaviour stating: "I fail to see how these actions can help the Service in its efforts to handle an extremely difficult and deteriorating situation."

Yesterday Mr Neilson, human resources director, believed to be off work suffering from stress, refused to comment when the BEN contacted him at his home.

The allegations have now been lodged with GMAS chief executive Adrian Lucas who today pledged a full probe.

He added: "The matter has to be investigated so I will not be making any statement at this point about what action may or may not be taken." Mr Lucas also blasted sources within the service for leaking information of the internal investigation to the BEN. He said: "We offer a first class service of which I am very proud. I find it very upsetting and utterly disgraceful that people are trying to damage that reputation."

Mr Lloyd said today: "It is inappropriate for me to make a comment at this stage because the matter is out of my hands."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.