Essex Police are investigating MP Julian Knight over a sexual assault allegation

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Police have launched an investigation into MP Julian Knight after Scotland Yard referred a serious sexual assault allegation.

The Metropolitan Police had previously suspended their investigation into the MP for Solihull, who had been stripped of the Tory whip, and it is unclear why the case was referred.

The Tories refused to return the whip to Mr Knight after the Met dropped the case, with the party saying at the time it had received further complaints.

Detectives specializing in cases of this type will collect evidence and conduct a thorough investigation

Essex Police

Mr Knight denied what he described as a false and malicious accusation.

A statement from Essex Police on Tuesday said: We have agreed to undertake an investigation which has been referred to us by the Metropolitan Police Service.

We are investigating an allegation of aggravated sexual assault.

Detectives specializing in such cases will collect evidence and conduct a thorough investigation.

Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Waldie will oversee the work being done by a senior investigator with extensive experience.

In the interests of justice and all concerned, we have asked the media and others not to comment or report speculatively on this case, Essex added.

We would also like to remind everyone that victims of sexual offenses are entitled to lifelong anonymity, regardless of the course of a case.

The Essex Police investigation is still in its early stages.

Mr Knight currently sits in the Commons as an independent and has announced he will stand down at the next election.

In December, the chairman of the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee insisted he was completely innocent of any wrongdoing after the Met opened an investigation.

The force said in March it was no longer investigating as no arrests had been made.

Mr Knight urged the Tories to hand over the whip, meaning he could join his colleagues in the parliamentary party.

But the Tories refused his request and said further complaints had been lodged with the Whips Office.

Such complaints, if any, will be forwarded to the relevant police force or appropriate bodies, a spokeswoman for Chief Whip Simon Hart said at the time.

The Conservatives declined to comment on Tuesday.

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