Editor's note - Police have confirmed the investigation referred to in this article has concluded and there was insufficient evidence to proceed. 

AN online appeal to raise money for a Bromsgrove man’s surgery has become the subject of a police investigation into an allegation of fraud.

The plea, which asked the Bromsgrove community to donate towards a throat operation for Mick Cartlidge, appeared on the front page of last week’s Advertiser.

It has since become apparent that the operation mentioned has already taken place.

A spokesman for the West Mercia Police force told the Advertiser: “West Mercia Police received a report on November 23 of an alleged fraud in the Bromsgrove area.

“Investigations are currently in the early stages and there are no further updates at this time.”