A COUNCILLOR who stepped down as mayor to fight accusations he sexually assaulted four men has been told he has no case to answer by police.

Cllr Peter Britcliffe, who represents the Oswaldtwistle ward on Lancashire County Council, always denied the allegations and said he will now pursue his council work with a renewed vigour.

Cllr Britcliffe attended a voluntary interview with police on January 15 over the sexual assault allegations which involved men aged between 19 and 21 and were said to have taken place between January 2017 and July 2017. Following that a fourth man made a similar complaint.

Police have now confirmed their investigation has been completed and Cllr Britcliffe will face no action.

Cllr Britcliffe said: “Eight months ago I stepped aside from my mayoral duties when some wicked allegations were made against me.

“I have now received a telephone message from the police to tell me they have completed their investigation and that no further action is to be taken.Therefore there is no case to answer.

“Whilst I always knew I was innocent, and those who know me knew the allegations were untrue, it has been an extremely worrying and anxious time for both my family and myself.

“The one thing that shone through all this was the love and support of our family and friends and so many people in Oswaldtwistle. It has been overwhelming.

“Thank you each and everyone of you from the bottom of my heart. It is your friendship, loyalty and support that has got us through this period.

“I think you all know how much I enjoy representing you and I will now pursue my work as county councillor for Oswaldtwistle with a renewed vigour on behalf of you and the town. Once again thank you.”

Cllr Britcliffe has represented Oswaldtwistle on Lancashire County Council since 2009, after previously having a spell on the county council from 1989 until 1993.

The former primary school teacher has also been a long-standing member of Hyndburn Council for more than 33 years and is a former leader of the council.

He has also stood as the Conservative candidate to contest the Hyndburn parliamentary seat.

The former primary school teacher has also been a long-standing member of Hyndburn Council for more than 33 years and is a former leader of the council.

Cllr Britcliffe did not seek re-election to his St Andrews seat in the May elections, a seat which was won by his daughter Sara.

A police spokesman said: "In January this year Lancashire Constabulary launched an investigation following complaints of sexual touching involving a 67-year-old man from Hyndburn. Three men aged 19, 20 and 21 reported they had been sexually assaulted between January and July 2017.

"A 67-year-old man from Hyndburn voluntarily attended a police station in January and was spoken to. He was not arrested.

"Following a thorough investigation the matter was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for advice and it was decided that no further action would be taken. The matter is now closed. The complainants and the 67-year-old man have been informed of the decision.

"Lancashire Constabulary takes all allegations of a sexual nature extremely seriously and understands how difficult it can be for victims to have the confidence to come forward. As a constabulary, we are committed to investigating sexual offences sensitively and recognising the impact that these types of crimes have on victims. We would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, or who has information about it, to have the confidence to report it to us knowing that we will take it seriously, deal with it sensitively and investigate it thoroughly."