CALLS have been made for an investigation to be launched into Cleveland Police’s handling of complaints against an officer who was convicted of rape and sexual assault.

In November, former police constable, Wayne Scott, was found guilty of rape and attempted rape and it was revealed that he had been investigated over allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour for more than a decade.

The 37-year-old had already admitted a number of sexual offences in relation to another victim, who he raped seven times, and a sexual assault on a 15-year-old girl.

An investigation is already being carried out by the Independent Police Complaints Commission into the circumstances surrounding the former officer's conduct and force's subsequent investigation into the offences.

However, further concern has been raised following an ITV news report which shows that only three of 31 people contacted by Scott using the force’s computer system.

Stockton South MP James Wharton told Tyne Tees: “I think people will be worried about whether this is a force that is fit for purpose.

“If these sorts of problems continue to occur there are serious questions about the future of Cleveland Police as an independent force.”

And Keith Vaz MP, the chairman of the Home Affiars Select Committee, added: “This is a very serious turn of events which will require great scrutiny.

“The select committee has always been concerned about the allegations of corruption in Cleveland and the plethora of investigations. But this is a particular serious set of allegations.

“I think they've totally run out of chances.”