Police investigate Hartlepool charity over claims of 'false accounting'

Set up a decade ago by Dawn and Ian McManus, the charity aims to help young people build confidence by taking part in creative activities.

But now Cleveland Police have confirmed they are investigating an allegation of false accounting relating to the charity.

A police spokeswoman said: "Police received a complaint and are investigating.

"It’s an allegation of false accounting.

"Inquiries are ongoing."

The charity was set up by the couple following the death of their son Kyle, who died of a brain haemorrhage aged 16.

Since its formation has helped youngsters including cancer battler Bradley Lowery, for whom they released a charity single last Christmas.

The Charity Commission has also confirmed it has been looking into the operations of the charity, based in Whitby Street.

Last month Red Dreams closed temporarily following reports that they had been ordered to leave by trustees of the charity. It has has since reopened with a 'limited service.'

A spokeswoman for the Charity Commission, an independent regulator of charities, said they are looking into concerns which have been raised.

A spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that concerns have been raised regarding Red Dreams and we are still assessing them at this moment in time."

On Facebook Mr McManus said they are co-operating with police during the investigation.

He said: "We have answered all questions asked by police and given them additional information too.

"We will be contacting both the Charity Commission and the Cleveland Police to find out the next steps to bring this issue to an end.

"Sorry again to all of Bradley's family and support and the young and not so young people at Red Dreams, given a chance we would never had had any of this happen."