Four arrested over alleged money laundering

Officers from North Yorkshire Police's major fraud investigation team have arrested four men as part of the inquiry into a Lottery Awards For All scheme funding application for the game, Rock-It-Ball.

A force spokesman confirmed yesterday the men had been arrested on suspicion of money laundering in connection with the grant application.

Rock-It-Ball, which is promoted by a North Yorkshire company that also provides equipment, was launched in 2005 and involves two teams who use catchers similar to double-ended lacrosse sticks.

It has been introduced to more than 7,000 schools, colleges and universities throughout the UK and is now played in 20 countries, has seven national governing bodies and an international Rock-It-Ball Federation.

A statement released by the Rock-It-Ball Company, at Marishes, near Malton, said: "The sport of Rock-It-Ball has had an amazing effect in the community, giving opportunities and responsibility to young people all over the country and this has always been our aim.

"We do not accept that we have done anything wrong and will defend ourselves as vigorously as possible against these totally unfounded allegations."

The four men who have been arrested – a 50-year-old from York, a 52-year-old from Stockton-on-Tees, a 67-year-old from Northallerton and a 57-year-old from Malton – have been bailed while inquiries continue.

An Awards For All spokeswoman confirmed officials are liaising with North Yorkshire Police