New Zealand / Politics

Police confirm fresh investigation into Andrew Falloon texts

16:09 pm on 23 July 2020

Police have launched an investigation into allegations National MP Andrew Falloon sent inappropriate sexual messages to young women.

National MP Andrew Falloon has resigned after it emerged he sent explicit images to at least three women. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

They had initially investigated Falloon after the police received a complaint he sent an indecent picture to a 19-year-old woman, but found it did not meet the threshold for prosecution.

However, at least four more women have since come forward.

Police told RNZ on Tuesday they were once again looking into allegations brought to their attention by National Party leader Judith Collins.

They have today confirmed they have launched a fresh investigation and said they would not be making any futher comment.

National Party leader Judith Collins today said another woman had come forward with a complaint about the former National MP.

Collins said this was at least the fifth woman and she has encouraged the latest person to go to the police.

"Knowing that there are other victims should give some comfort to those victims who have not yet decided to come forward," Collins told reporters.

"If there are more, please come forward. It's clearly a pattern of behaviour... The more women who come forward to the police, the more evidence the police will have."