UPDATE: September 1 - Since this article was published, Wiltshire Police have confirmed that George Paine has been released without charge following an investigation.

A Tidworth town councillor has resigned after being arrested on suspicion of sexual communication with a child. 

George Paine was arrested on February 20 following an allegation being made against him, which subsequently saw him arrested by Wiltshire Police. 

He was asked to resign by the council following his arrest, with the council since confirming that Paine’s resignation had been received. 

According to his biography on the council’s website, which has been taken down, Paine is a member of the Community Engagement Committee and is a full-time carer. 

Tidworth Town Council said it was first made aware of the allegation against him on the evening of February 20. Following the allegation being referred to the police, Paine was arrested the same evening. 

In a statement, Cllr Mark Connolly, the Mayor of Tidworth, said: “Tidworth Town Council will assist the police in its investigation where it can, though the allegation against the Councillor was not, as far as the Council is aware, in connection with his role as a Councillor. 

“The Councillor has been asked to resign pending the outcome of the investigation.  The Council does not have the legal power to remove the Councillor from office.  

“We would ask members of the public not to speculate on social media as it may prejudice the case.  

“As the matter is under investigation by Wiltshire Police, it would not be appropriate for the Council to comment further.   

“Any enquiries about the case should be referred to Wiltshire Police.” 

Following the statement on February 21, the council confirmed on the morning of February 22 that a letter of resignation had been received. 

When contacted for comment by the Advertiser, a Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “We have arrested a man in his 60s from Tidworth on suspicion of sexual communication with a child. He has been released on conditional bail while our enquiries continue.” 

George Paine was contacted for comment.