Commissioner Colin Coxall replaced by another English officer, The Royal Gazette has learned.

The move came after prominent Bermudian residents bombarded the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office with letters demanding the return of Mr. Coxall.

Yesterday a UK Government source confirmed letters from Bermuda had sparked concern over policing in Bermuda.

And he said the Governor had come under "discreet pressure to make sure he did the decent thing''.

He added: "I don't think there's much doubt about what that could be -- they want a UK officer appointed in Bermuda.'' The insider added that Her Majesty's Inspector of Dependent Territories Police Lionel Grundy and a senior FCO official are set to visit Bermuda to examine the Service's recently introduced succession plan for Bermudian officers, although not necessarily together.

And he said: "They will also be looking at the future plans for the jobs of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.'' But it is understood that Governor Thorold Masefield -- Constitutionally responsible for appointing a Police Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner -- is set to resist any suggestion or attempt to exert influence from London.

And -- as reported by The Royal Gazette -- he is likely to back Canadian Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer Jean-Jacques Lemay and appoint him to the post on a three-year contract.

But -- despite the Constitutional arrangement -- that is believed to run against the views of senior UK Government figures.

It is understood they would prefer to see a UK officer in charge, rather than a Canadian, even though Canada is part of the British Commonwealth.

But a spokesman for the Foreign Office insisted yesterday: "The key thing is it's the Governor's call.

"It would be inappropriate for us to try and assert our views on something on which the Governor is the proper authority.'' But he admitted Mr. Masefield would not make a decision in total isolation.

He declined to discuss whether the Foreign Office had offered advice on the future Commissioner.

But he said: "The Governor wouldn't just make any decision -- he would want to be aware of the views on the Island, for instance.'' The Foreign Office spokesman added he was "not aware'' of any letters being written to his Ministry.

But he said: "Given that that's the case, those who have written will get replies, they can be sure of that. Precisely what would go into these, I don't know.'' Deputy Governor Peter Willis backed his London colleague and said the Constitution was "clear''.

He added: "Mr. Grundy may be out again -- but he will come out in the aftermath of the first round of extended interviews.

"He will be looking at how the UK can help in career development for officers.'' Mr. Lemay came to Bermuda on an 18-month secondment from the world-famous Canadian force in January last year.

But he took over the top job last October after Mr. Coxall quit his post following a series of clashes with Government.

Top Mountie begins visit: Page 2