Northumbria Police has found “no offences” linked to an image allegedly shared on WhatsApp by a Tynemouth councillor of himself holding a replica firearm.
Last week, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) revealed that coun Tom Bailey had been referred to the police amid claims he shared an image in a nurdle clean-up WhatsApp group containing placards of himself holding a gun. Other supposed weapons, including what appeared to be an axe, were also allegedly in the photograph.
Police confirm replicas
Now, Northumbria Police have stated that all the weapons were replicas and that no offences were found following the force’s probe.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “On August 14, we received a report of suspected possession of a firearm and other weapons in the Tynemouth area. Following enquiries, all of the weapons were found to be replicas.
“No offences were identified, and appropriate advice has been given to those involved.”
Alleged WhatsApp post details
The alleged WhatsApp image was also accompanied by words from an account named Tom Bailey, stating, “I’m undecided on whether to ever use these signs. Ordered after a few drinks while on holiday.
“No intention to actually take firearms onto the beach. Have calmed down a bit since the other week [sic]. But go easy on stepping on the nurdles to be on the safe side.”
The LDRS understands that Bailey was suspended by the Labour Party pending its own investigation into the alleged post. North Tyneside Council’s elected mayor, Karen Clark, also confirmed that a formal standards complaint had been made.
Background and related suspension
Coun Bailey has been a vocal campaigner and volunteer beach cleaner since tiny plastic nurdles began washing up on the coast following a shipping collision at the Port of Tyne on Sunday, July 19.
The suspension marked the second known to the LDRS last week. Chirton and Percy Main councillor Rebecca O’Keefe revealed her own suspension from North Tyneside’s ruling group for what she believes to be her views opposing the closure of the council’s Cumbria-based outdoor education centre, High Borrans.
