A TOWN councillor was arrested on suspicion of sexual communication with a child.

Tidworth Town Council says it was made aware of an allegation made about one of its councillors on the evening of Saturday, February 20.

The matter was then referred to Wiltshire Police, and the councillor was arrested that evening.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “We have arrested a man in his 60s from Tidworth on suspicion of sexual communication with a child.

"He has been released on conditional bail while our enquiries continue.”

Chairman of Tidworth Town Council, Mayor Mark Connolly said the council will "assist the police in its investigation where it can", but added that: "The allegation against the councillor was not, as far as the council is aware, in connection with his role as a councillor.

"The councillor has been asked to resign pending the outcome of the investigation".

It does not have the legal power to remove the councillor from office.

Cllr Connolly added: "We would ask members of the public not to speculate on social media as it may prejudice the case.

"As the matter is under investigation by Wiltshire Police, it would not be appropriate for the council to comment further."

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