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.”

Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.