A POLICE probe is ongoing into the alleged theft of property from a veterans’ charity in the town centre.

Earlier this year officers launched an investigation into reports that a number of items had been stolen from Blue Apple Veterans, which has since closed, on Buttermarket Street.

Police have confirmed that a 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft.

After being questioned by detectives, he was released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Blue Apple Veterans, which was established in 2012, announced the news of its closure in January.

In a statement to the Warrington Guardian, the board of trustees said: "We are saddened by the inevitable impact this will have on the veterans and their families who were supported by the charity and this is something we have been trying hard to avoid for some time.

"Unfortunately, the income now does not meet the operational costs and under Charity Commission rules we were obliged to close the charity to avoid incurring further debt."

Due to the closure, the board of trustees has a responsibility to its creditors and the charity is required to sell off any items that cannot be donated or passed on to other charities with similar aims.

Members of the public are invited to a charity sale this weekend from 10am to 3pm to browse and buy any of the remaining items.

The spokesman added: "This sale is to cover cost to our creditors.

"It should be noted that the trustees or anyone assisting on these days are volunteers and are not there to answer questions as there is still an ongoing investigation."