An MP who was accused of rape dating back 10 years said he is "relieved" that the case has been dropped due to insufficient evidence.

Simon Danczuk, who was suspended from the Labour Party after the allegation, described the investigation by Lancashire Police as an "immensely stressful period for me and my family".

A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that no further action would be taken against the Rochdale MP.

In a statement, Danczuk said: "I am grateful for the decision made by the CPS and I am relieved that the investigation has now come to an end.

"Even though I maintained my innocence throughout, this has been an immensely stressful period for me and my family. I thank them for their continuing support."

He added: "I now expect the Labour Party to conclude their investigation into these matters and lift my suspension as soon as possible."

A CPS spokesperson said the woman who made the 2006 allegation has been informed.

The spokesperson added: "It has been decided that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction."

Lancashire Police said they respected the decision by the CPS and said it was right to thoroughly investigate the allegations.

The father-of-five's personal life has repeatedly made the headlines over the past few years following the collapse of his marriage to wife Karen.

The 49-year-old was also forced to apologise after sending lewd texts to a 17-year-old, which he blamed on a "drink problem".

In March, Danczuk was ordered to pay back £11,000 in expenses after a watchdog found he claimed extra accommodation costs for two children who did not "routinely" live with him.