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Northampton loan: Ex-MP David Mackintosh interviewed by police

PA David MackintoshPA
David Mackintosh told the BBC he attended an interview with Northamptonshire Police on a voluntary basis

A former MP has been interviewed by police investigating the disappearance of millions of pounds loaned to Northampton Town Football Club.

David Mackintosh oversaw the loan while he was leader of Northampton Borough Council and stood down as Conservative MP for Northampton South last year.

In a statement, detectives said a 39-year-old man attended for a voluntary interview under caution.

Mr Mackintosh said he welcomed the opportunity to speak with police.

Northampton Borough Council lent £10.25m to Northampton Town to redevelop their stadium and nearby land, but the work stalled.

The funds have seemingly vanished, leaving an unfinished stand.

The company which managed the project, 1st Land Ltd, went into liquidation owing millions to contractors.

Eyewitness Dalbir Tapia said she saw officers entering and leaving Mr Mackintosh's house in Great Billing, Northampton on Monday, carrying items away.

She said: "I saw a large van with the words Tactical Support Unit along with an unmarked police car in Mr Mackintosh's driveway."

"The front door was open and I saw officers leaving with items inside a clear plastic bag."

Getty Images Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium during constructionGetty Images
The £10.25m loan was intended for a new stand at Sixfields Stadium

Northamptonshire Police said: "During the course of this week a 39-year-old man from Northampton has been assisting officers investigating the missing Sixfields development money.

"The individual attended for voluntary interview under caution".

Mr Mackintosh said: "I attended an interview on a voluntary basis to assist Northamptonshire Police with their general enquiries.

"As this is an ongoing matter I will not be commenting further at this stage."

'Preparing a file'

A police inquiry into the missing money has been running for two and a half years.

Officers are investigating allegations of "theft, fraud, bribery, misconduct in public office, electoral offences and money laundering".

In September 2017, it was announced seven people have been arrested and a further nine questioned under caution.

In December the BBC revealed a further seven people had been questioned under caution, with money laundering added to the list of suspected offences.

Last month police officers said they had begun preparing a file for the Crown Prosecution Service.

The CPS will decide whether to charge anyone or not.

A BBC investigation revealed £37,000 in hidden donations to Mr Mackintosh's 2015 General Election campaign when he became the MP for Northampton South.