DETECTIVES investigating a suspected five-figure fraud from a Suffolk naval veterans’ association have arrested a 53-year-old man.

The inquiry involves the HMS Ganges Association, the members of which were all based at one time or another at the former Royal Navy training base in Shotley Gate, near Ipswich.

The allegations are understood to have been referred to police by a senior figure within the organisation who had concerns over its finances.

The suspect, who is from Uxbridge in west London, was arrested yesterday on suspicion of obtaining money by deception.

It is understood the exact figure has not been established at this time

The man at the centre of the investigation was arrested at his home by officers from Hampshire Constabulary.

Hampshire officers are dealing with the inquiry as the person who reported the allegations to police lives in the county.

After being questioned by detectives, the suspect was released on bail on the same day, pending further enquiries.

Officers have declined to say which police station the man was taken to, but have said he must answer his bail on October 26.

It is understood detectives will be going through the association’s accounts and computer records as part of the investigation to establish if money has been misappropriated, and if so how much.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “A 53-year-old man from Uxbridge, Greater London has been arrested by officers from Hampshire Constabulary on suspicion of obtaining money by deception.

“He has been questioned and released on bail until October 26 this year pending further enquiries.”

HMS Ganges Association has more than 3,500 members who were stationed in Shotley Gate during their naval careers. The training base closed in 1976.

According to the association’s website the organisation aims to keep the ‘spirit’ of Ganges alive by re-uniting class and shipmates at its annual reunion.

Divisional meetings are also held throughout the world.

Membership is open to all personnel who were on the books of HMS Ganges, HMS St George and HMS Bruce. This includes instructors, ships company, officers, and Royal Marines.

The age of members range from more than 100 years old to those still serving in the Royal Navy.

The association supports the Sea Cadet Training Centre T.S. Ganges in Holyhead and the HMS Ganges Remembrance Garden project near Falmouth.