An Allerdale councillor has been charged by police after reports of threatening behaviour in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Peter Little, 36, of Grasmere Terrace, Maryport, represents the Maryport South ward on Allerdale Council on behalf of the Allerdale Independents.

Mr Little was charged on three counts of using threatening and abusive words with intent to cause alarm or distress and threatening to damage or destroy property after police were called to the address at 12.33am on May 1.

Asked whether Mr Little would be suspended, Councillor Paul Scott, who is the leader of the Allerdale Independents on the borough council, said: “As a group we will have that discussion.”

An Allerdale borough council spokesman said: “It would be inappropriate for us to comment while criminal proceedings are ongoing.”

Mr Little also declined to comment. He has been released on bail and will appear at North and West Cumbria Magistrates’ Court on June 1.