ARRON Banks and several groups with links to the campaign to leave the EU have been referred to the National Crime Agency over suspected criminal activity during the referendum.

The Electoral Commission has issued a statement saying a “number of criminal offences may have been committed” and that insurance millionaire Banks may not be the real source of £8 million in loans to the unofficial leave campaign, despite claiming otherwise.

The Commission's investigation has so far focused on £2 million that was allegedly loaned to Better for Country, the organisation Banks used to fund the Leave.EU campaign.

There was also an additional £6 million reportedly fed to the organisation on behalf of Leave.EU by Banks.

The statement said: “Due to multiple suspected offences, some of which fall outside the commission’s remit, the commission has referred this matter and handed its evidence to the National Crime Agency.”

More to follow.