AN MP is calling for a 'robust investigation' into an allegation that a former police chief failed to act on a claim of sex abuse made against the then police authority chairman.

The Northern Echo's exclusive revelations that former Chief Constable Sean Price failed to act when an allegation was made against former police authority chairman Dave McLuckie in 2006, and force officials attempted to discredit the alleged victim, prompted calls for a thorough inquiry.

Mr McLuckie strongly denies the claims, and Mr Price refutes any allegation of wrongdoing on his part.

The revelations also provoked criticism of Cleveland's current police and crime commissioner Barry Coppinger who was a member of the police authority at the time of the allegations.

Mr Coppinger's political rivals claimed last night that his position was 'untenable'.

But Mr Coppinger defended his actions saying he only became aware of the allegations in 2014 - eight years after they were made. He said that when they came to light, the issue was handled with the 'highest levels of professionalism'.

The Northern Echo: Cleveland's Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger

Barry Coppinger, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner

And he hit out at people trying to make the incident a 'political issue' instead of praising the efforts of current officers and staff dealing with the claim.

Politicians last night urged the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which is examining the allegations, to carry out a thorough investigation.

Stockton North Labour MP Alex Cunningham said: “The allegations brought to light are extremely serious and it’s essential that the IPCC enquiry is robust and each and every one is examined in detail.

“People will be shocked by these allegations from a very different era of Cleveland Police.

“It’s important to stress that they are allegations at this stage, but it’s critical that everyone connected cooperates fully with the enquiry so it can be brought to a speedy conclusion.”

The Northern Echo: Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham has apologised after insisting Gordon Brown's description of Gillian Brown was correct

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham

Redcar MP Anna Turley described The Northern Echo's reports as "very concerning", while Ukip MEP Jonathan Arnott said people would be “rightly shocked at the suggestion of the cover-up of any alleged crime".

"At the very least, it appears that the allegations have not been taken seriously enough - and I can only imagine the impact that must have had," he said.

“With different accounts coming from different people within the police and police authority, we don't yet fully know the truth of this matter, so it is absolutely right that the IPCC should investigate thoroughly.

“If wrongdoing has occurred, then action needs to be taken - both against those responsible and to ensure higher standards in future.”

Former councillor Mr Coppinger was a serving member of the police authority at the time of the alleged failures, he was elected as Cleveland's first police and crime commissioner (PCC) in 2012. He is standing for re-election on Thursday, May 5.

Matthew Vickers, who is the Conservative PCC candidate, said: “Barry Coppinger sat alongside his disgraced long-time friends Dave McLuckie and Sean Price as a senior figure in the police authority and even had the gall to describe Mr McLuckie as the authority’s most successful chairman.

"I believe the public have a right to hear details of Mr Coppinger's friendship with Mr Price and Mr McLuckie."

Sultan Alam, independent PCC candidate and former police officer who secured a £1m settlement from the force after being wrongfully jailed, said Mr Coppinger was a ‘tainted candidate’.

He said: "The public perception of Cleveland Police is not a good one. For confidence to improve, we need a fresh start.

"I said before the first Police and Crime Commissioner elections that Barry Coppinger was a tainted candidate and that position hasn’t changed.”

Steve Matthews, the former chairman of Cleveland Police Federation and UKIP PCC candidate, wants the Home Office to step in and help carry out an investigation.

He said: "This help will include an independent and transparent investigation, resources during a period of change and financial assistance to ensure policing within Cleveland is immediately improved.

"Barry Coppinger's position as a Police and Crime Commissioner is untenable."

Last night Mr Coppinger defended his actions and hit out at people trying to turn the matter into a political issue.

He said: "It is important that we encourage anyone out there who is a victim of abuse, be it historic or recent, to come forward. This matter clearly demonstrates how Cleveland Police will treat them sensitively.

"Since this matter came to the attention of the leadership team at Cleveland Police in 2014, the officers and staff who have dealt with it have demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism.

"They recognised that this matter had not been handled correctly in 2006 and took immediate action to conduct a victim-focussed investigation, a course of action I fully supported. The matter has now been recorded and the inquiry taken as far as it can. We have referred the matter to the IPCC who will now decide whether a disciplinary investigation into the events of 2006 is required.

"This episode clearly demonstrates how in the area of abuse crime, the force has learned from the mistakes of the past and now demonstrates best practice. This is a pattern being replicated across the force. There are still some areas for improvement but we know what they are and we know what needs to be done.

"It is sad, though perhaps inevitable, that some will try to turn this into a political issue when all sides should instead be applauding the exemplary work of the current officers and staff involved in this matter."