Barratt Developments' regional Managing Director for London, Alastair Baird, has been arrested after an investigation into "possible misconduct" concerning contract awards.

Mr Baird and one other former Barratt London employee were detained by Metropolitan Police this morning, 19 October.

The arrests follow an internal investigation by Barratt regarding misconduct in the process for "awarding and managing certain material & sub-contract supply contracts in the London region".

The company added civil legal action was also taken against an employee following the investigation. The individual was dismissed in February 2016.

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Gary Ennis, regional MD for Southern Region, will take interim responsibility for the London and Southern Regions, supported by the London Board and other senior management of the Group.

Chief Executive Officer David Thomas said: "We are committed to meeting the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our business. We have acted decisively, launching our own thorough and comprehensive investigation and referring the matter to the Metropolitan Police.

"I am confident that Gary Ennis and the London Board will ensure that Barratt London continues to deliver successfully, and remains a trusted, valued partner to its stakeholders.

"We will continue to cooperate fully with the Metropolitan Police and to conduct our own investigation into these matters.  We will take whatever action is required to ensure our values and standards are upheld."

(LM/CD)