Second arrest confirmed in council finance probe

An investigation was launched in July 2022

Police have confirmed a second arrest in an investigation into suspicious transactions on a parish council bank account.

Cheshire Police started its investigation into Audlem Parish Council in July 2022.

A man was arrested on suspicion of fraud later that year, and the force has confirmed a second person was arrested in November. Both have been released under investigation.

Cheshire Police said several documents, mobile phones and electronic devices are being analysed.

The force said it had also taken statements from several witnesses and had been analysing the parish council’s financial accounts.

In a statement, the police said: “While we understand the frustration at the length of time the investigation has taken, this is a complex case, and we need to ensure that all evidence is recovered so that it can be presented to the Crown Prosecution Service.

“This is a very much a live investigation and while our enquiries are ongoing, we would encourage people not to speculate.”

The parish council told the BBC it had been asked by police not to comment on the investigation.