Some members of the Red Arrows are being investigated over allegations of “unacceptable behaviour”, according to The Times.

The investigation is looking into allegations of misogyny, bullying and sexual harassment.

According to The Times, more than 40 personnel, including young female recruits, have provided up to 250 hours of evidence into the inquiry.

The inquiry began earlier this year and has seen the aerobatic display team described as “toxic”.

A source in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that a number of members of the Red Arrows are the subject of an investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour but none have met the threshold for criminal charges.

It was noted by many that when the Red Arrows performed a display in Falmouth earlier this month they were reduced in number. 

It has been confirmed that some members have been removed from the display team for this season, with numbers dropping from nine to seven. 

It is understood that none of the pilots currently flying on the team are accused of wrongdoing.

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Red arrows bullying allegations

Armed forces minister James Heappey told Times Radio that some have been removed from the display team for this season.

Falmouth Packet: Red Arrows (PA)Red Arrows (PA)

The Times also said that alleged victims were told that if they spoke up they would be sent home or kicked out of the RAF.

It reported that senior leaders “swept complaints under the carpet” for years to protect the reputations of people considered “untouchable”.

Mr Heappey told Times Radio he was confident that Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston and his team were investigating the allegations.

He said: “The very highest of standards are demanded of our armed forces across the board, and 99.99% of them deliver in spades.

“Those who have the privilege of serving in an organisation like the Red Arrows have, I think, an even greater responsibility because they are so much in the public eye – and the allegations that have been made are very concerning indeed.

“The Royal Air Force have taken, I think, the right action in that they have got those against whom these allegations have been made under investigation.

“I’m confident that the Chief of the Air Staff and his team are investigating these allegations – they’ve taken action to remove them from the display team for this season.

“We’ll wait until those investigations are complete before the individuals responsible are held to account.”

An MoD source said the inquiry’s final report is with RAF leaders for their consideration.

An RAF spokeswoman said: “The RAF has a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour and takes action wherever wrongdoing is proven.

“Following allegations of unacceptable behaviour within the Red Arrows, the RAF commissioned a thorough and far-reaching investigation.

“We will not be commenting further on the individual circumstances of specific personnel moves, which have been made without prejudice and are the result of both personal and professional reasons.

“The allegations of Red Arrows pilots flying while intoxicated are unfounded.

“All RAF pilots, in the Red Arrows or otherwise, are subject to strict regulations on alcohol consumption before conducting any flying.

“Safety remains paramount and any pilot found to have breached those regulations would simply not be permitted to fly, and would face disciplinary action.”