SOUTHEND United chairman Ron Martin has protested his innocence after being arrested on suspicion of corruption and money laundering.

Gloucestershire Police confirmed detectives from the economic crime unit have questioned the Blues chairman and released him on bail.

The revelation comes seven months after police raids on Mr Martin's home and the offices of his property development business, Martin Dawn, based at the football club headquarters, Roots Hall.

The club today released a statement on behalf of Mr Martin on its supporters' website, accusing the Echo of an "over-dramatised" report into his arrest last month.

The newspaper reported detectives from Gloucestershire Police's economic crime unit had arrested the club chairman on September 25.

The Echo had tried at least four times since Friday to give Mr Martin the opportunity to comment on his arrest, but he did not respond.

The statement from the club said: "Mr Martin repeats what he has said all along - that he has nothing to hide, that he will co-operate fully with the police and that there has been no wrongdoing on the part of the club or himself."

Mr Martin said he had provided a detailed statement to the police last month as part of their continuing investigation.

The club chairman added: "These events will in no way distract me from the task in hand - that is, to obtain planning approval for the club's new stadium and get Southend United back in the Championship at the earliest opportunity.

"It is a great pity that the area's local newspaper seems unable to focus on the many good things that are happening surrounding the club. But that seems to be the journalist's lot - good news does not sell newspapers."

Mr Martin's arrest happened last month but has only been confirmed following Echo inquiries. Kate Nelmes, spokeswoman for Gloucestershire Police, said: "I can confirm a 54-year-old man from Benfleet was arrested on September 25 for questioning about corruption and money laundering.

"He has been bailed until February 20 next year."

Money laundering means fraudulently putting illegally-gained funds into circulation via legitimate business or bank accounts.

As part of the long-running fraud inquiry, Gloucester Police have also arrested former Tewkesbury borough councillor Sean Connors, of Brockworth, Gloucestershire, on suspicion of corruption and money laundering. He is on police bail until February.