FOUR men under investigation over allegations of corruption and fraud have had their bail extended by police.

They were arrested in August on suspicion of misconduct in public office and corruption by detectives investigating allegations of fraud at Brighton and Hove City Council housing department.

They were due to answer bail this week but this has been extended to January next year.

A 51-year old man arrested at an address in Balfour Road, Ilford, Essex is now on bail until January 20, a 57-year old man arrested at an address in Harlands Road, Haywards Heath is now on bail until January 21, a 53-year old man arrested at an address in Elms Road, London, is now on bail until January 22, and a 67-year old man arrested at an address in Ashvale Drive, Upminster, Essex, now on bail until January 26.

As part of the same investigation, former Brighton and Hove City Council head of housing Jugal Sharma, 53, of Holland Road, Hove, was interviewed under caution by appointment on September 17, and a 45-year old man, of Balfour Road, Ilford, interviewed under caution by appointment on August 14, both on suspicion of the same offences.

Dates have not yet been set for them to be re-interviewed, a force spokesman said.

The investigation was launched by the Sussex Police Economic Crime Unit in November last year following an initial investigation by the council's own internal audit team.

It is looking into allegations of the improper awarding of council contracts worth more than £18 million over the past ten years to a property management company providing the homeless with temporary accommodation.