THE founder of the Little Heroes Cancer Trust was arrested by police on suspicion of fraud following allegations made by the charity and its trustees, it emerged today.

Colin Nesbitt was arrested at his home in Kent Road, Bingley, on Tuesday and has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Mr Nesbitt, 54, first registered the charity seven years to provide toys for children being treated for cancer.

Today, Anni Wilkinson, the chief executive officer of the charity based in St Paul's Road, Shipley, said: "Following concerns, the trustees and I contacted the police.

"We continue to liaise with the police and Charity Commission.

"The main priority at Little Heroes Cancer Trust is to continue with the charitable activities and ensure we continue to support the children and families we are in working with, who are affected by childhood cancer.

"We cannot comment any further due to the ongoing police investigation."

A Charity Commission spokesman confirmed it was aware of concerns about the Little Heroes Cancer Trust and said it was working with the charity’s trustees to address them.

Mr Nesbitt is also a director of non-profit making company Unite and Ignite Ltd, which provides fire-walking experiences for charitable events, with LHCT as its own designated charity.

He was unavailable for comment.