A 35-year-old man from Cornwall – the former head of campaigns and communications at the League Against Cruel Sports – has been questioned by police on suspicion of fraud.

Steve Taylor, from Saltash, was sacked by the charity earlier this week for gross misconduct following a disciplinary investigation concerning expenses claims.

The animal rights charity said it had now passed its documents to Surrey Police and the Charity Commission.

A spokeswoman for Surrey Police said: "A man has been arrested on suspicion of fraud after Surrey Police received concerns regarding financial irregularities at an organisation based in Waverley.

"The 35-year-old man from Saltash, Cornwall, was arrested and has been released on bail pending further inquiries to return to Guildford police station."

Mr Taylor is due to answer bail on January 10.

A spokesman for the League Against Cruel Sports said the "potential loss will not have a material effect upon the ability of the league to fulfil its objectives".

He added: "We do take a zero tolerance approach to any wrongdoing and for this reason we are co-operating fully with the police in their investigations.

"We are pleased that our systems worked well in picking this matter up and we will do everything in our power to recover the sum concerned."

In a statement, the Charity Commission added: "The charity the League Against Cruel Sports has contacted the Charity Commission to inform us of concerns in relation to financial matters within the charity. Based on the information given by the charity, we are satisfied that the trustees of the charity are dealing with the matter appropriately and reviewing any relevant policies and procedures in this area."