Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has been arrested in connection with an investigation into building and planning developments in the city, Sky News understands.
He is one of five men arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation offences.
None have been charged or named by Merseyside Police.
Sky News understands one of them is Mr Anderson, the city's directly-elected mayor.
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: "Liverpool City Council is co-operating with Merseyside Police in relation to its ongoing investigation. We do not comment on matters relating to individuals."
