The conduct watchdog has ended its investigation into Cleveland’s PCC with no further action.

An investigation into Cleveland’s Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner has been dropped.

After a six-month investigation, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) revealed it has informed to Cleveland’s Crime Panel informing them that a criminal allegation against him has been discontinued.

In November last year, the Panel made a mandatory conduct referral following a complaint made through a third party of a serious, non-recent sexual offence.

Avon and Somerset Police was assigned to conduct a managed investigation into the allegation.

All lines of inquiry have been completed and the IOPC has discontinued the investigation.

Mr Turner was not arrested and there was no requirement for him to be interviewed.

The IOPC had already assessed and dropped four other complaints.

IOPC Director of Major Investigations Steve Noonan said: “We are satisfied all reasonable efforts to progress this investigation have been made and that no further lines of inquiry remain open at this time.

“Any serious allegation of this nature requires careful investigation, and it was important that there was independent oversight in this case. I would like to thank Avon and Somerset Police for their professionalism throughout this inquiry.”

At the time, Mr Turner faced a number of allegations which were raised locally and in the House of Commons by an MP. He argued political motivations were a factor in bringing the allegations into the public domain.

The PCC’s team made clear it was time to move on.

Chief Executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Oldroyd, said: “We have been made aware that the IOPC-managed investigation into a third party allegation against the conduct of PCC Steve Turner has been discontinued, after no further lines of enquiry were identified. 

“The PCC’s vision has always been clear - that Cleveland residents should have an efficient and effective police force to protect vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice.

She added: "To that end, we will continue to work alongside Steve to deliver his three-year Police and Crime Plan to make Cleveland a safer place and put the pride back into Cleveland Police.”