Police confirm two arrests over financial probe of Stoke dog charity
Two Staffordshire women were questioned about fraud last month it's been revealed
Two women have been arrested by police looking into financial mismanagement and potential misuse of funds at a Stoke-On-Trent charity.
We revealed earlier this week that the Charity Commission is looking into claims about dog rescue Animal Lifeline.
Now Staffordshire Police have confirmed that two women were questioned by them last month and released on conditional police bail, they are a 44 year old from Stone who was detained on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position, fraud by false representation and money laundering; and a Stoke woman who's 68 questioned on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position.
The force says its officers continue to work with the Charity Commission and that the investigation's at a very early stage - they are asking anyone with information to speak to them.
Animal Lifeline say they're co-operating with the Charity Commission and the police and strongly deny any allegations of intentional wrongdoing or fund misuse.
A spokesperson said: "The charity has always sought to operate with transparency and integrity in delivering its mission.
"Our priority remains the welfare of the dogs in our care and the continued support of the community that relies on our rescue and rehoming services."
The charity says it will continue to operate as normal.
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