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Third arrest in corruption probe Millionaire held in council probe
(about 17 hours later)
A third man has been arrested in an investigation into alleged corruption in Stoke-on-Trent. A millionaire owner of a Stoke-on-Trent attraction has been arrested as part of an investigation into corruption and misconduct at the city council.
In March, Labour mayor Mark Meredith was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and complicity in corruption while in public office. Waterworld owner Mo Chaudry was arrested by Staffordshire Police on Wednesday and bailed until June.
It followed the arrest on 27 February of Stoke city councillor Roger Ibbs on suspicion of corruption in public office. He said his dealings with the council had been "completely above board".
All three men have now been bailed and will report back to police in June. Labour mayor Mark Meredith and Stoke city councillor Roger Ibbs have also been bailed until June as part of the inquiry. No charges have been brought.
'Detailed investigation' Mr Chaudry's agent Robin Swinbank said his client had spoken to police, as he had previously volunteered to, in connection with the investigation into the city's council's ownership of the Dimensions leisure centre.
Staffordshire Police said the third arrest was made on Wednesday and was part of an inquiry into ongoing matters referred to them by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. 'Entirely properly'
In a statement police said the force was carrying out a thorough objective and detailed investigation which was progressing. Mr Swinbank said: "He co-operated fully with these police investigations and has not been charged.
"We have gathered a significant amount of information, spoken to a number of witnesses who have given us their support. "I just want to make clear that my client's position is that he is entirely happy that his dealings with the council have been completely above board.
"We are also liaising with special case lawyers at the CPS." "My client is confident that any such investigation will show that he has acted entirely properly throughout this matter."
It added that a number of lines of inquiry were being pursued and that nobody had been charged in connection with the investigation. The city council has confirmed its own investigation began with the proposals to close the Splash Pool at Dimensions in Burslem.
In March, Mr Meredith was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and complicity in corruption while in public office.
It followed the arrest on 27 February of Mr Ibbs, also on suspicion of corruption in public office.
Staffordshire Police said the third arrest was part of an inquiry into matters referred to them by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
In a statement, the force said it was carrying out a detailed investigation and pursuing a number of lines of inquiry.