ESSEX Fire Authority has announced it is to commission an independent inquiry into claims of a reported or perceived intimidatory culture within the county’s fire service.

The inquiry will focus on the impact the culture has on staff relationships.

Later this month two former Essex firefighters will appear at Basildon Crown Court charged with misconduct after a police investigation into historic abuse claims within the Essex Fire Service.

Anthony Benham, 49, of Butts Road, Stanford-le-Hope, and Ian Maguire, 55, of Karen Close, Benfleet, were both charged with wilful misconduct in public office in relation to acts of “indecency, assault, battery and false imprisonment” at Tilbury fire station.

In June 2013, Essex Police began an investigation into allegations of offences at the former station dating back to 1988.

Firefighter Martin Sibley, 48, was found hanged last June at his Colchester home, after he had been interviewed by police in relation to this probe.

Benham and Maguire are on unconditional bail.

The Fire Authority emphasised the proposed inquiry will exclude these events for as long as they remain a case being considered by a court.