The Age editor-in-chief stood down over sexual harassment allegation

The editor-in-chief of Fairfax Media's Melbourne flagship, The Age, has been stood down following a sexual harassment allegation.

The company issued a statement on Friday evening saying Mark Forbes had been stood down pending the outcome of an investigation into the claim.

"Fairfax is committed to a safe workplace and has zero tolerance for any behaviour that does not meet the highest standards," it said.

The current editor of the paper, Alex Lavelle, will oversee its newsroom in Forbes' absence.

Opposition masthead The Australian reports the matter relates to an alleged incident at an event linked to recent The Age Music Victoria Awards.

Forbes was appointed editor-in-chief of The Age in April.