A CONSERVATIVE club treasurer and her son have been arrested on suspicion of stealing more than £100,000 from the accounts.

Dunscar Conservative Club treasurer Barbara Hare has been removed from her post at the club pending the outcome of a police investigation.

Her 34-year-old son Steven was also arrested.

The alleged embezzlement of funds took place over a 12-month period, between August, 2013, and August, 2014, police said.

The missing cash was noticed about a month ago by officials, when the club defaulted on a payment to a contractor carrying out refurbishment at the premises in Hardmans Lane, Bromley Cross.

Mrs Hare is said to be a long-standing and well-respected member of the club.

Club president Cllr Alan Wilkinson said: “There is a notice in the club telling members that the treasurer has been removed from the committee pending the outcome of the police investigation.

“We cannot comment on the circumstances but she has been removed.

“We are all deeply shocked and will be co-operating fully with the police.”

Police have interviewed Mrs Hare and her son and they have been released on police bail until November.

The club, which has more than 1,200 members, was founded in 1894 and has been in its present location since 1972.

A police spokesman said: “Bolton North neighbourhood policing team are investigating a fraud at Dunscar Conservative Club.

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“The fraud has occurred between August, 2013, and August, 2014.

“A 68-year-old woman and 34-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and bailed until November pending further inquiries.”