A MAJOR investigation into a police cover-up surrounding a Melrose sergeant who was convicted of rape is recommending three senior officers are prosecuted.

Kevin Storey was jailed for 12 years, with a further three years of supervision, back in 2014 for rape, attempted rape, indecent assault and assault.

The 51-year-old's sentence was later reduced on appeal to nine years.

But two separate investigations into the claims of corruption and covering-up by force colleagues in the Borders were launched.

One investigation by the Merseyside Force, who took over from Police Scotland last year, is ongoing.

Last week the other independent probe by the Police Investigations Commissioner (PIRC) concluded that criminal charges should be brought against three senior officers.

A PIRC spokesperson couldn't confirm the findings ahead of possible criminal charges being brought but they did confirm a report had been forwarded to the Procurator Fiscal.

They said: "We submitted a report to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) in relation to allegations of potential criminality against officers of Police Scotland.

“The report is being considered by the COPFS.”

It is understood the investigation centred on conduct of senior officers between 2011 and 2014 at the force's regional headquarters in Hawick.

The Crown Office confirmed it is is currently reviewing the report.

And they are still awaiting on the outcome of the second Merseyside probe.

A Crown Office spokesman said: "A report from the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC) is being considered by the independent Criminal Allegations Against the Police Division (CAAP-D) of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

“The inquiry by Merseyside Police is ongoing."