Pair held in football charity fraud probe

Investigators were called to a community scheme backed by Middlesbrough Football Club after an internal inquiry revealed alleged financial irregularities.

The arrested woman was believed to be Terasa Richards, who was the charity's financial and operational manager.

No details were yesterday available about the arrested man, apart from his age.

Both have been bailed.

According to the organisation's website, Ms Richards was "responsible for the finance and administration functions right across the organisation, supported by a team of five staff.

"Terasa works closely with partners to meet contractual obligations as well as dealing with all suppliers," it said.

Boro set up its football in the community scheme 15 years ago at the behest of former chairman Steve Gibson to repay the local community by using football to promote education and healthy living, using two sites in the town.

It was praised in 2007 by then Prime Minister Tony Blair as one of the best in the country.

Although it is supported financially by the club, the scheme is run separately, with its own board of trustees.

Yesterday, a Middlesbrough FC spokesman said: "We can confirm that, following an internal investigation, we are now assisting the police with inquiries regarding financial irregularities relating to our community scheme."

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "A 31-year-old female and a 39-year-old male have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and money laundering offences at MFC in the Community Centre in Eston.

"They have both been released on bail pending further inquiries."