POLICE have ruled out a criminal investigation into allegations posted on social media by a councillor.

Independent Middlesbrough councillor Terry Lawton issued the serious allegations on his personal page earlier this week.

His posting was passed over to Cleveland Police who have since spoken the councillor about the allegations and decided that there isn’t a criminal case to answer.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “Officers have spoken to an individual and it has been established that no criminal offences have taken place.”

However, Cllr Lawton, who represents the Brambles and Thorntree ward, has called for an independent inquiry into the anecdotal information he has received.

He said: “The expert opinion is that vulnerable witnesses are more likely to come forward if their fear of repercussions or retaliation against them is eliminated. Middlesbrough Council must do the right thing to allay fears and concerns over this allegation by setting up an Independent Inquiry.”

In his posting, Cllr Lawton says that the serious allegations are anecdotal, but says “that was also the problem with exposing Jimmy Savile”.

Middlesbrough Council said the councillor has been offered guidance on his use of social media, and urged him to take any evidence he has to the police immediately.