A SENIOR coun-cillor has been arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images.

Police were called in after Blackburn with Darwen Council bosses received a complaint alleging that Coun Dave Smith, executive member for culture, leisure and sport, had broken the authority's code of conduct.

He was arrested for questioning on February 14 and released on police bail for a month pending further inquiries.

Coun Smith, who represents the Sunnyhurst area of Darwen, voluntarily suspended himself from his executive board post and from the borough's ruling Labour party.

He is still free to serve as a councillor as he has not been charged with any offence.

A police spokesman said: "Following a complaint made to the police, a 41-year-old Darwen man was arrested on February 14 on suspicion of possessing indecent photographs.

"He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries."

Council leader Coun Kate Hollern confirmed that the authority had received a complaint about Coun Smith which alleged he had breached the councillors' official code of conduct.

She said: "It concerns the use of a council computer. We can't say any more at the moment because of the police investigation.

"It is also being investigated by the council and will be reported to the Standards Board for England and our standards committee in due course.

"I have removed myself from the investigation so there can be no suggestion of political influence."

A memo sent by Coun Hollern to all councillors confirmed that she would take over his area of responsibility for the time being.

Coun Smith works for the Rochdale-based Ashiana Housing Association, which has properties in East Lancashire, and is a governor at Holy Trinity Primary School, Darwen.

He has been on the ruling executive board since last May, when he took over from current deputy mayor Dorothy Walsh.

Before that, he was the chairman of the planning and highways committee.

A spokesman for the Standards Board for England, which investigates complaints about councillors, said it had not yet received details of the complaint.

Coun Nigel Nuttall, vice-chairman of Blackburn with Darwen's standards committee, said he could not comment on the case.

Coun Colin Rigby, leader of the Tory group on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "People have been kept in the dark about why he has self-suspended himself until now.

"It is important that Blackburn with Darwen Council ensures their investigation is open and transparent."

Coun Smith, who lives in Woodbank Avenue, Darwen, could not be contacted for comment.