has been suspended following a wrangle with a colleague, The Royal Gazette has learned.

It is understood Police were called in to investigate a complaint of an alleged assault.

The allegation centres on an office row with reporter Miss Angie Gonsalves.

Mr. DeLeon -- one of VSB's longest-serving broadcasters -- has worked at the station for around 10 years.

With his punchy morning newscasts he has arguably the most familiar voice over the airwaves.

But now he has made the news himself, although, perhaps not in the way he would wish.

Yesterday staff at DeFontes Broadcasting Company in Reid Street were remaining tight-lipped over the incident.

News director Mr. Chris Lodge said: "I can't say anything, you will have to speak to the president of our company.'' President Mr. Kenny DeFontes said: "I don't want to discuss any internal staff matters.'' He stressed, however, Mr. DeLeon had not been fired, contrary to some rumours.

Asked whether his broadcaster had been suspended, he declined to comment.

Mr. DeFontes spoke of his high regard for Mr. DeLeon's journalistic capabilities.

"He is a very, very reliable worker,'' he added.

Mr. DeFontes said Mr. DeLeon, a former Policeman who also works for a security business, was one of the station's longest-serving broadcasters.

When contacted yesterday Mr. DeLeon, who hails from Grenada, said: "I would refer you to Mr. DeFontes.'' Reliable sources yesterday confirmed Mr. DeLeon's suspension.

We were told the row with Miss Gonsalves was "trivial'', and to do with work.

It led, however, to two Police officers being called to the VSB offices and asking questions.

A source said it was alleged Mr. DeLeon had hurt Miss Gonsalves by closing a door on her.

"A complaint was made to the Police,'' the source added.

Miss Gonsalves, who lives with her mother in Smith's, was said last night to be in St. George's and could not be reached for comment.

No one from Police was available for comment.

Mr. DeLeon's suspension is understood to have led to a slight staff reshuffle.

Freelance journalist Mr. Bryan Darby said yesterday he had been asked by VSB to do a month's broadcasting stint from Monday, working 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

He said he knew Mr. DeLeon well -- but had no idea whether he was filling in for him.

"I don't know anything about any suspension,'' he added.

VSB reporter Miss Vicki Abraham is moving to ZBM, and will start her new job on September 22.

MICHAEL DELEON -- declined to comment.