ONE of Worcestershire’s representatives in the European Parliament has been arrested in a fraud probe along with a staff member from Worcester.

Nikki Sinclaire MEP for the West Midlands was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud the European Parliament last night.

In total four arrests were made by officers from West Midlands Police’s economic crime unit.

A statement from the police read: “Two women aged 55 and 39 and a man aged 19, were arrested at addresses in Solihull, Worcester and Birmingham and were taken to a police station for questioning.

“A 43-year-old woman was later arrested at a police station in Birmingham.

“All four have since been released on police bail.

“Searches have been carried out at the addresses involved by officers conducting an investigation into an allegation made in 2010 regarding allowances and expenses.”

Ms Sinclaire, aged 43, who was elected while a member of UKIP in 2009 but fell out with the party the following year, denies the allegations.

A statement from her office read: “Nikki Sinclaire attended the police station voluntarily yesterday and has co-operated with the police.

“Nikki Sinclaire MEP disputes all allegations put towards her or her staff.

“Nikki Sinclaire MEP and her office will continue to fully co-operate with the police on this matter.”