The leader of Kingston upon Thames RLBC, Derek Osbourne, has resigned after being arrested by police on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children.

Cllr  Osbourne, who has been leader since 2003, was arrested  at his home on Tuesday, but released on bail until August.

In a statement, acting leader of the council Liz Green, said: ‘Derek Osbourne has resigned from the Liberal Democrat group.

‘We are deeply shocked by these allegations but I am unable to comment further as we must now allow the police the time and space they need to investigate the allegations thoroughly and without prejudice.'

A police spokesman confirmed a 59-year-old man had been  arrested at an address in Kingston, and taken to a police station in south London. He has been released on bail while investigations continue.