Hucknall Nub News understands that six Ashfield District Councillors, all members of the Ashfield Independent Party, have been arrested and a probe launched into their financial activities.

A statement from Nottinghamshire Police released this morning (Thursday 17 November) said: "Police arrested six people and searched four properties on Wednesday 16 November as part of ongoing investigations into allegations of fraud.

"Warrants were simultaneously executed at addresses in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Underwood, and Stanton Hill.

"Two men, aged in their 20s and 40s, and three women, aged in their 30s and 70s, are being questioned on suspicion of fraud, money laundering and misconduct in public office.

"All three women were additionally arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

"A man aged in his 50s and one of the women, aged in her 30s, were arrested on suspicion of fraud and electoral offences.

"All six were arrested and have now been released while the investigation and inquiries are continuing."

An Ashfield District Council spokesperson said: "The arrests yesterday of a number of Ashfield Independent Councillors is an ongoing police matter and the Council should not and will not comment further at this time."