Four men have been arrested and bailed following an investigation into £18m fraud at Brighton and Hove Housing Department.

Arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and corruption, the four men were bailed until October after allegations of improper awarding of council contracts. The contracts were worth more than £18m over the course of ten years, and were given to a property management company providing the homeless with temporary accommodation.

The arrests were made at addresses across Sussex, Essex and London with computer equipment and documents seized for examination. A business address in Queens Road Brighton and an address in Holland Road, Hove were also searched.

Detective Sergeant Sally Smith said: 'The investigation continues. We have already spoken to a number of witnesses, many of whom either work for or have worked for the Council, and we would still like to speak to anyone else who believes they have information that might assist the enquiry. If you feel you can help in any way, please contact us via 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Parade.'

None of the men arrested are employed at Brighton and Hove City Council.