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Simon Cowell has called in police over claims that Britain's Got Talent is fixed.
Cowell's lawyers may have made their compaint under the Malicious Communications Act 1988, which makes it a criminal offence to send a "letter, electronic communication or article" carrying an indecent or grossly offensive message, a threat or "information which is false and known or believed to be false by the sender", if his purpose is that it should cause distress or anxiety to the recipient or to any other person to whom he intends that it or its contents or nature should be communicated.
The offence in punishable on summary conviction with a fine of up to £5,000 or up to six months in prison.
The panel judge made the complaint to officers after an anonymous internet blogger alleged that show favourite Ronan Parke had been groomed for stardom.
The 12-year-old is in tomorrow's final and the blogger claimed he had been known to Cowell's firm, Syco, for two years, and that he already has a management deal and has been moulded to appeal to the audience.
Claims that his hairstyle, clothing and mannerisms were all choreographed were also made.
The allegations resulted in Mr Cowell's lawyers going to a west London police station to report the offence.
It is not yet known if officers will take action.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "An allegation of malicious communications was made to Kensington and Chelsea police on Thursday June 2.
"The allegation is being considered."
The schoolboy won the viewers' vote on Monday, putting him straight through to the Saturday show.
Syco and Sony Music said they would take legal action to "prevent further publication of these unfounded allegations".
Syco said in a statement: "There has been speculation on the internet that Britain's Got Talent finalist Ronan Parke was known to and worked with Syco/Sony Music before entering the show. There is no truth in this story whatsoever.
"Ronan first came to Syco/Sony's attention when he entered this year's competition.
"Syco/Sony Music will not hesitate to take whatever legal action is appropriate to prevent further publication of these unfounded allegations."
Ronan's mother Maggie also dismissed the claims that he was auditioned by talent scouts who had spotted him performing at a birthday party for family friend Bryan Gunn, the former Norwich City goalkeeper.
"It's laughable, to be perfectly honest with you, and it couldn't be further from the truth," she told BBC Radio Norfolk.
"There's no foundation in it whatsoever."
