Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon has vowed to investigate how plans to open a sex shop in a residential area were passed by the council.

Mr Mallon - nicknamed Robocop during his time as a police officer because of his zero-tolerance approach - said it was the wrong location.

He told a community meeting that he would find out the reasons behind the license being given to the sex shop near Middlesbrough's red light district.

Earlier this month, Mr Mallon, who was elected mayor in May, pledged to get tough with "so-called beggars and prostitutes".

In my opinion, I would not have liked to have seen this particular planning given

Ray Mallon

Mr Mallon met the Southfield Ward Community Council on Wednesday to discuss their concerns over the sex shop.

They told him they were angry the plans had been passed despite their objections.

Mr Mallon said: "There is definitely a place for sex shops... the public have shown they want sex shops.

"What I object to is where sex shops are located...they have got to be located in the right areas.

"In my opinion, I would not have liked to have seen this particular planning permission given.

"I will find out what the rationale was for actually giving that application a positive note."

Formal complaint

Barry Coppinger, the executive member for Law and Order on Middlesbrough council, objected to the proposals, alongside other councillors and four community groups.

He told BBC Radio Cleveland residents could still lodge their complaints.

"The opportunity is there for residents to make a formal complaint and that will be dealt with by the council.

"I'll certainly be talking to Ray over the next few days about some the issues that have been raised."