INVERCLYDE Council's leader has been arrested and charged in relation to an alleged domestic assault and a breach of the peace.

Police have confirmed to the Telegraph that Councillor Stephen McCabe has been released and will appear in court at a later date, with a report due to be sent to the procurator fiscal.

The Tele understands that Councillor McCabe has been suspended by the Labour party pending the outcome of investigations into the allegations.

Mr McCabe is the leader of Inverclyde Council and represents the Inverclyde East ward, which covers part of Port Glasgow as well as Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village.

He was first elected to Inverclyde Council in 1999.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “We can confirm that Councillor McCabe remains leader of the council at this time.

“We are aware of a police investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said:  “A 60-year-old man has been arrested and charged in relation to a domestic assault and a breach of the peace.

“He has been released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

A Labour Party spokesperson said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously.

"They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken.”