Cleveland Police And Crime Commissioner under investigation for historic sexual assault allegation

Cleveland's Police and Crime Commissioner is being investigated by the Police watchdog over a historical sexual assault allegation.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct says it began a managed investigation into Steve Turner, who was elected in May,

An IOPC spokesperson said:

“Any allegation that a criminal offence may have been committed by a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) must be referred by the appropriate authority to the IOPC to determine whether the matter should be investigated.

“We have now begun a managed investigation following a complaint referral from the Cleveland Police and Crime Panel regarding the alleged conduct of the current PCC prior to taking up the role.

“This investigation, which follows an allegation of a serious non-recent criminal offence, will be carried out by a force from another area under our direction and control.

“We have contacted the complainant to make them aware of our involvement. As this investigation is at a very early stage, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”

It's thought the allegation was first reported in a newspaper - just a day after Steve Turner held a meeting to discuss police practices to protect women and girls

That followed a national request to review allegations of sexual misconduct involving police officers in the past 2 years.

The IOPC say the investigation will be carried out by an external force.

The office for Cleveland PCC has released a statement saying they will co-operate fully with the investigation.

A spokesperson for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner said:

“We have been made aware that a referral has been made to Cleveland Police and Crime Panel relating to a non-recent allegation against Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner.

“We extend our full co-operation to the Panel and the IOPC and we will assist them with any enquiries they need to make.”

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