Police called in to investigate allegations of misconduct at Ilkley Fire Station have arrested a man in connection with an alleged theft, it emerged today.

The man, who has not been named, is 36 years old and from the Ben Rhydding area of Ilkley.

Meanwhile, firefighters at the station are continuing to be interviewed as an internal inquiry into the allegations continue.

Earlier this month the T&A reported that police had been asked by the fire service to look into a number of allegations, including one that a woman was raped by part-time firefighters.

Subsequently police, who said they had never received a direct complaint of rape, said all the allegations had been dismissed, except for one of theft.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "We've been investigating an allegation of theft, and in connection with that a man has been arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.''

A spokesman for the West Yorkshire Fire Service said: "The disciplinary inquiry is still on going and looks like it probably will be for a while yet."

One retained firefighter, Paul Chapman, has been sacked but has an appeal against his dismissal pending.

He says he was dismissed over "a scuffle'' at the Little Lane station in June.

He has also said that any allegations of sexual misconduct at the fire station are false.

Mr Chapman complains that the investigation was launched as a result of "vicious rumours" in the town.

Four other firefighters have been suspended as part of the internal investigation.

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