Police are investigating a complaint by a photographer who is reportedly suing them over £10,000 of camera gear, which went missing when they arrested him while taking pictures.

The drama ? first revealed by Amateur Photographer last year ? occurred after freelance press photographer Marc McMahon tried to take pictures of a person threatening to throw themselves off the Tyne Bridge on 18 October 2006.

McMahon, 37, claims the camera gear went missing near the scene, saying he had been forced to leave it behind while officers were escorting him to the police station.

He was initially charged with breach of the peace, a charge later changed to obstructing a police officer.

Earlier this month Newcastle Magistrates found McMahon not guilty and said he had acted professionally.

Speaking today, Northumbria Police deputy chief constable David Warcup confirmed to AP: ?An investigation into Mr McMahon?s complaint is underway.?

After the verdict McMahon told journalist publication Press Gazette: ?I?m feeling very relieved about the verdict. The last year has been immensely stressful for my family and we are glad the magistrates came to the right decision.?

It is understood that, when they stopped him, police felt the photographer could have caused an unwanted distraction to the person on the 59m-high bridge in Newcastle.

Speaking last October police wanted to make it clear that no theft allegation had been made against any officer.