The Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, has been arrested today, according to reports.

Mersyside Police arrested five men today including a 62-year-old man, understood to be Liverpool City Region co-leader Mr Anderson.

In a statement, Merseyside Police said: "Five people have been arrested by detectives today (Friday, 4 December) in connection with offences of bribery and witness intimidation as part of an investigation into building and development contracts in Liverpool.

"The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation.

"A 62-year-old man, from Old Swan has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation.

"A 33-year-old man, from West Derby, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation.

"A 46-year-old man, from Ainsdale, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation.

"A 25-year-old man, from, Ormskirk, has been arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation.

"A 72-year-old man, from Aigburth, has been arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation.

"Those arrested have been taken to police stations across Merseyside where they will be questioned by detectives."