Police have concluded their investigation into fraud allegations against the League Against Cruel Sports due to “lack of evidence”, Third Sector has learned.

Surrey Police began investigating fraud claims after Andy Knott, the animal charity’s former chief executive, alleged that its fundraising had been misleading. 

Knott, who was chief executive of the LACS from January 2018 to March this year, previously alleged that the charity’s communication with supporters about its general election appeal and some messages relating to his departure were misleading. 

Knott has also filed an employment tribunal claim against the charity and its former chair Dan Norris, who is the Metro Mayor for the West of England and Labour MP for North-East Somerset and Hanham, alleging that Labour was interfering in the charity’s operations.

Norris has recently been reappointed as chair, subject to a membership vote at the LACS AGM on 14 September, but campaigners have called for him to resign due to his involvement in legal disputes.

A spokesperson for Surrey Police said they received allegations of fraud offences on 10 June, but confirmed that the case has since been closed due to a “lack of evidence”.

They said: “These allegations were thoroughly investigated, and all lines of enquiry were explored.

“Unfortunately, due to a lack of evidence, we are unable to proceed with the investigation and the case has now been filed. Should any new information come to light, this will be reviewed, and further enquiries will be carried out if it is appropriate to do so.”

Third Sector understands that the LACS was not contacted by police during the investigation. 

In response to the police investigation being dropped, a spokesperson for LACS said: “There was clearly no merit to the claims made against us.

“We have remained focused throughout on our objectives to end cruelty to animals through blood sports such as hunting with dogs and animal fighting, but we are nevertheless pleased a line has now been drawn under this issue.”

Knott said: “Surrey Police CID informed me that the criminal bar for fraud is very high, but advised me to report my allegations to the Charity Commission.”

“My civil claim already issued against the League in the Employment Tribunal, together with the ones due to be issued against them for claims in the High Court, will rely on the evidence I submitted in my fraud allegations.”