POLICE swooped on the home and offices of Southend United chairman Ron Martin in connection with a major fraud investigation.
Around 40 officers raided the football club's Roots Hall ground, in Victoria Avenue, at about 7am and searched the offices of Mr Martin's property development company, Martin Dawn.
Police also searched his luxury home in Benfleet Road, Benfleet, and took documents.
The operation was part of a nationwide investigation which has seen the arrest of a former councillor for Tewkesbury Borough Council, in Gloucestershire. Sean Connors, 46, of Brockworth, Gloucestershire, was arrested on suspicion of corruption and money laundering.
As well as the raids on Roots Hall and Mr Martin's home, there were two raids in Gloucestershire, one near Warwick, and one in Measham, Leicestershire.
Police spent most of the day at Roots Hall, gathering documents connected with Mr Martin's property business, which he runs from the football club premises.
Mr Martin was not available for comment but a statement from Southend United said: "Gloucester Police have requested assistance into inquiries they are conducting in Gloucestershire.
"They have not advised as to the nature of those inquiries, but every assistance is being given to them."
SPECIAL REPORT IN FRIDAY'S ECHO
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article