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Former USPCA head Stephen Philpott released on bail

Former USPCA chief executive Stephen Philpott
Former USPCA chief executive Stephen Philpott Former USPCA chief executive Stephen Philpott

THE former head of the north's largest animal welfare charity has been arrested by police investigating an allegation of fraud.

Stephen Philpott was chief executive of the USPCA until his dismissal in July on grounds of misconduct.

He had been suspended in March of this year following "issues of concerns" about the charity's management.

Mr Philpott regularly spoke out about animal cruelty issues dealt with in Northern Ireland.

Police confirmed that officers investigating an allegation of fraud at the USPCA arrested a 53 year old man and a 52 year old woman in the Newry area on Wednesday morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson, from PSNI Economic Crime Unit, said: "A complaint was made to police in April and, as a result of our enquiries, two people were arrested this morning. They are being questioned at Banbridge police station."

A spokesperson for the USPCA said: "We became aware of suspected irregularities in our organisation and passed the information on to the PSNI for investigation. We will continue to offer every assistance to the PSNI whilst they carry out their inquiries. We thank our members and the public for their continued support at this time."