Earlier today police forced entry into the home of Mike Whitby. 8 riot clad officers broke down the door and arrested Mike.

Mike had been in negotiations to arrange a mutually agreeable time to answer allegations apparantly coming from the Liverpool Echo.

Clive Jefferson, National Nominating Officer to accompany him.

Mike was not able to arrange an early meeting due to funeral arrangements for his mother.

Rather than wait the police took extreme and disproportionate action.

Mr Jefferson commented "I hope that the voters of Liverpool will see this for what it is and not be unduly influenced by what appears to be a poltically motivated charade".

Updates to follow.