Man arrested over allegations of race fixing

A 42-year-old man has been arrested by Greater Manchester Police over allegations of race fixing.

The arrest took place in Hawkshaw, Bury on Friday morning after a joint investigation by the police and the Gambling Commission.

The man was alleged to have committed offences under section 42 of the Gambling Act which states that it is an offence to ‘cheat at gambling’ or if someone ‘does anything for the purpose of enabling or assisting another person to cheat at gambling’.

An investigation was launched after reports of suspicious betting patterns earlier this year.

A statement from the Gambling Commision on Friday read: “The 42-year-old was arrested as part of a joint investigation by Greater Manchester Police and the Gambling Commission.

“The man, who was arrested in Hawkshaw, Bury, at 6am, is alleged to have committed offences under section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005.

“The investigation was launched following reports of suspicious betting activity linked to horse races earlier this year.

“The Commission will not be commenting further at this time.”

The British Horseracing Authority declined to comment with a spokesperson saying: “The BHA does not comment on investigations or speculation surrounding investigations”

If found guilty a maximum prison term of two years as well as a fine is possible.