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Police have confirmed they are investigating “concerns of a financial nature” in connection with North East travel agency Dawson & Sanderson.

It follows the resignation of the firm’s auditors, Greaves Grindle, in May last year after it emerged the travel specialist’s accounts for the year to the end of August 2020 had been filed without having been audited. The signature of Greaves Grindle partner Jane Harvey appeared to be on the document published at Companies House, but she said she had not signed it.

Dawson & Sanderson called in police when the issue came to light.

Now, Northumbria Police has confirmed it is conducting an investigation at the firm. A spokesperson for the force said: “We can confirm there is an ongoing investigation after concerns of a financial nature were raised by Dawson and Sanderson. Enquiries are ongoing.”

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In a statement, Dawson and Sanderson said it was aware of the police investigation and added: "Following our own internal investigation into the financial accounts we called in the police to review and consider whether there was a case to bring.

“We have been helping the police with their enquiries and will continue to do so. However, we are unable to comment further until the police investigation is concluded.”

In early January, seven months after the issue emerged, amended accounts for Dawson and Sanderson were published and showed operating losses of £2.58m in the 12 months to August 31, 2020 - more than double the amount of £1.15m previously reported. At the time, the travel agency, which is one of the country’s largest independent operators, said the accounts covered a time in which the whole travel industry was beset with pandemic disruption.