A CHORLEY Football Club official has been arrested on suspicion of the theft of more than £50,000 from the club.

Phillip Haslam, 23, who is listed on the club’s website as their accountant, has been bailed without charge after detectives questioned him about alleged theft and false accounting relating to the club’s finances.

The club, who currently lead the Evo-Stik Premier League, issued a statement yesterday “in response to recent speculation about events at the club”.

It said: “On September 8 a member of staff was arrested and is currently on police bail.

“An internal investigation is continuing.

“As a result of the fact that there is an ongoing police investigation and an internal investigation the club is not in a position to make any further comment at this stage but further information will be released when possible.”

A police spokesman said: “A 23-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of theft and false accounting, has been released on police bail.

“Financial investigations are continuing into the matter.”

Chorley FC have been thriving in recent months under manager Garry Flitcroft, who played in the Premier League for Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers.

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