A FORKLIFT truck driver took his own life after being falsely accused of rape - despite texts which "proved the sex was consensual".

Ross Bullock, 38, met his accuser in February 2015 and the pair had sex at his workplace, before exchanging dozens of flirtatious messages.

2 Ross Bullock tragically took his own life after being falsely accused of rape Credit: Facebook

But the following month Ross, from Redditch, Worcestershire, was arrested and questioned by cops, after the woman accused him of rape, according to the Mail On Sunday.

Mr Bullock showed officers the texts, including one exchange, where Mr Bullock asked: "Well I hope u had a good time," to which the woman replied: "It was alright I suppose!! X."

Police told him they wouldn't be taking action, but warned he could still be charged at a later date.

After a "year of torment", Mr Bullock hanged himself in the garage of his family home and left a note to say he had "hit rock bottom" and that he would be "free from this living hell".

2 Ross' family said the torment of facing such strenuous allegations took a toll on him Credit: Facebook

His mum Carole, 74, who tragically found her son's body, told the newspaper: "The allegation changed Ross as a person. He cut himself off."

Mr Bullock's dad Ronald, 76, said: "Ross would still be alive now if the police had dealt with the allegation sensitively."

A coroner ruled Mr Bullock took his own life because of the "distress" caused by the allegation.

His parents are now taking action against West Mercia Police and demand that his accuser - who was in a relationship with another man at the same time she was with Mr Bullock - to be charged.

Police told the Mail they are investigating an allegation of perverting the course of justice.

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The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed to the newspaper that a complaint was filed and the case was referred back to West Mercia, which concluded there was no case to answer.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "Mr Bullock was arrested and released with no further action. We would like to offer his family our sincere condolences following his tragic death."

They added: "This is a live investigation and at present the complainant retains an entitlement to anonymity."

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans on (free) 116123 or 020 7734 2800.