Ex-council staff arrested on bribery offences

Two former employees of Leeds City Council have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into reported bribery offences.

The men were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of bribery, misconduct in a public office and money laundering. One of the men had previously been arrested as part of the same investigation.

Both have now been questioned and released under investigation, West Yorkshire Police confirmed.

The force said 14 people in total have been arrested as part of the probe, with three released without charge and the rest remaining under investigation.

The long-running investigation, previously described as "complex", is being led by West Yorkshire Police's Economic Crime Unit.

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said the authority had been informed that two former members of the council's planning staff had been arrested.

"No one currently employed by the council is being investigated as part of the inquiry," they added.

"The public can be assured that we are absolutely committed to ensuring that all our staff adhere to the highest standards of professional and personal conduct."

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