A carefully worded statement from Cambridgeshire police tonight confirmed that a 25 year-old man from Peterborough – who the CambsNews can reveal is a city councillor – is in police custody.
A statement issued to CambsNews by the corporate communications team at Cambridgeshire Constabulary at 7.10pm said, simply: “A 25-year-old man from Peterborough has been re-arrested on suspicion of sexual offences. He is currently in police custody.”
The city councillor was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of sexual offences and, CambsNews understands, was due to return to a police station to answer bail last week but did not attend.
The man was originally arrested on 28 May and has now had his bail extended on a number of occasions.
While the councillor’s name has not been released officially, sources within Peterborough City Council have confirmed he is an elected member.
Police have not provided further details about the nature of the allegations, and no charges have been brought at this stage.
The development is likely to heighten concern among residents, with many questioning how long the matter can remain unresolved while the councillor continues to hold office. Council insiders suggest pressure could mount for clarity on his position if the investigation continues into the new year.
The councillor’s arrest and subsequent re-bailing has already prompted debate about the balance between an individual’s right to anonymity and the public’s right to know when elected representatives are under police investigation.
At this stage, police have not disclosed further details regarding the nature of the allegations.
The man’s identity has not been officially released, and no charges have been brought at this time; CambsNews is aware of the individual’s name.
