THE mayor of Portland has been arrested and is being investigated on suspicion of theft.

Richard Paisley has been quizzed by Dorset Police over an allegation of theft of machinery from Portland Port where he runs his own business.

He has decided to temporarily hand over his duties as Portland’s mayor to the deputy mayor David Thurston.

But Mr Paisley is protesting his innocence and is hoping that he will be able to return as mayor.

He said the police turned up at his business to speak to him about a generator that had been removed from the port.

Mr Paisley was arrested and then released on police bail while inquiries continue.

He said: “Nothing is being hidden and I’ve not stolen anything or been involved in any theft.

Mr Paisley said there are witnesses who can back up his side of the story.

He added: “I’ve done nothing underhand and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.

“I’ve been told I don’t have to stand down but I’ve handed over to the deputy mayor David Thurston until this is resolved.

“Then I will return to office.”

Mr Paisley said the item he is being questioned about is an oil tank with a motor underneath which had been left on the Portland Port car park by the crew of a ship and that it had been seen there for several months this year.

He said that it had been reported to the police as stolen after being spotted at a business premises in Weymouth.

Mr Paisley said he has not been told he must stand down but made the decision yesterday to hand over the role while he is on police bail.

He added: “It’s the honourable thing to get David to take over.

“I’m not standing down.

“I’m handing it over to David to give me time to sort this out.”

Mr Paisley owns Paisley Plant Hire Limited at the port and runs the business with his wife Corinne.

Dorset Police said that they are investigating an allegation of theft of machinery from Portland Port.

The force spokesman said a 47-year-old Portland man was arrested and has been released on police bail while inquiries continue.