All five have been released on bail pending further enquiries as the year-long investigation “Operation Aloft” continues.

Merseyside police confirmed the following arrests:

• A 62-year-old man, from Old Swan has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation.
• A 33-year-old man, from West Derby, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation.
• A 46-year-old man, from Ainsdale, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation.
• A 25-year-old man, from, Ormskirk, has been arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation.
• A 72-year-old man, from Aigburth, has been arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation.

Anderson was elected mayor of Liverpool in 2012, having been on the city’s council since 1998.

In a statement to the Liverpool Echo he said: “I was arrested as part of Operation Aloft on Friday 4th December, and interviewed for 6 hours. I co-operated fully with Merseyside Police and will continue to be co-operative in their continuing enquiries.

“I will be talking to my cabinet colleagues over the weekend to ensure the challenges our city faces with the Covid pandemic continue to receive the focus they deserve. I also support the Labour Party’s decision to apply an administrative suspension while this investigation continues.

“I have been bailed to return in one month’s time. Given the investigation is continuing, and there are bail conditions, I will not be making any further comments.”