Labour MP Simon Danczuk facing police inquiry over rape allegation

Lancashire Police have confirmed a complaint has been made against Mr Danczuk

Danczuk was suspended by his party after media allegations about his private life (Reuters)

Labour MP Simon Danczuk is facing a police investigation over a rape allegation.

Lancashire Police have confirmed that a complaint has been made against Mr Danczuk, the MP for Rochdale, regarding an alleged incident that occurred in 2006, according to the Manchester Evening News.

A spokesman for the force told the paper said: “We can confirm that we have today received a report of a rape against a 49-year-old man relating to an historic offence from 2006.

“Enquiries are in the very early stages and are ongoing.”

It is understood that the statement relates to the Labour MP, who has faced scrutiny in recent days over allegations relating to his private life.

On 31 December 2015 he was suspended from his party, pending an investigation into allegations that he had exchanged sexually explicit text messages with a teenager.

Addressing the story on Twitter, he said it was "not entirely accurate," but added it referred to an "extremely low point" in his life.

He went on to say: "My behaviour was inappropriate and I apologise unreservedly to everyone I've let down."

Addressing the most recent allegation in a statement, Mr Danczuk said: "These claims are malicious, untrue and extremely upsetting."

"The police have not been in touch with me but I will co-operate fully with any inquiries and am confident my name will be promptly cleared."