LIVERPOOL mayor Joe Anderson has been released on bail after being arrested with four other people by detectives investigating allegations of bribery and witness intimidation linked to building contracts.

Merseyside Police said in a statement: “We can confirm that five people arrested in connection with offences of bribery and witness intimidation as part of an investigation on into building and development contracts in Liverpool have been released on conditional bail pending further inquiries.”

Anderson, 62, was detained yesterday and taken to a police station for questioning.

The mayor was later suspended from the Labour Party.

Liverpool City Council did not deny that the mayor had been arrested, simply saying in a statement: “Liverpool City Council is co-operating with Merseyside Police in relation to its ongoing investigation. We do not comment on matters relating to individuals.”

Anderson was elected mayor of Liverpool in 2012, having been on the council since 1998.