Football chairman in fraud probe

Southend United's ground was searched by police

The chairman of Southend United has been arrested on suspicion of corruption and money laundering.

Gloucestershire Police questioned Ron Martin, 54, of Benfleet, Essex, in September and released him on bail until 20 February.

Police said Mr Martin's arrest was linked to a search of the football club's premises and the arrest of a Gloucestershire councillor in March.

Mr Martin told the BBC his arrest was not related to the club.

He said the fraud investigation centred on a planning application he was involved with through his other business interests.

"I presented quite a wordy statement of about 20 pages and then answered questions on it," he said.

"But I offered to do this at the time of their arrival [at the club] on 1 March and it [the arrest] was six months later.

"It's got nothing to do with Southend United."