Four council planning staff arrested over suspected corruption

Four members of staff at Leeds City Council’s planning department have reportedly been arrested as part of a police investigation into suspected corruption.

In addition to the local authority employees, West Yorkshire Police detained five others as part of the probe into suspected bribery.

A spokesman for the council told the BBC the arrested staff had been suspended from their roles while the police investigation continued.

West Yorkshire Police has confirmed its Economic Crime Unit is conducting a “complex investigation” and all those arrested had been released on bail, while further inquiries are carried out.

The council spokesman stated: “We can confirm that four members of council staff have been arrested.

“The staff were subsequently suspended from their roles at the council in line with our established policies and procedures.

“As the police investigation is ongoing, we are unable to comment further.”

The West Yorkshire Police spokesman added: “Our Economic Crime Unit is conducting a complex investigation into reported corruption offences in West Yorkshire.

“Nine people, including four Leeds City Council staff members, have been arrested on suspicion of bribery offences.

“All nine people have been bailed pending further inquiries.”