A FORMER BNP candidate was arrested and released on police bail on suspicion of possessing CS gas.

Matthew Single, 35, who has twice stood for the British National Party in Basildon, was arrested following an armed police search at the home of his girlfriend, Broxtowe councillor Sadie Graham, in Brinsley, Nottinghamshire.

Officers, who said they were searching for firearms following a tip-off, seized a canister thought to contain the noxious substance, plus radios, body armour vests, scanners and other equipment.

In a separate earlier raid at the home he owns in Tallow Gate, South Woodham Ferrers, in Mr Single's absence, nothing was found.

A year ago, the Echo revealed Mr Single, a former RAF serviceman, had been recruited as one of BNP boss Nick Griffin's top security men.

However, he has since been sacked from the party alongside Miss Graham, who he has been living with and is expecting a baby with.

Mr Single claimed the seized equipment was in connection with his former security work.