THE Nigerian businessman behind plans to launch a North-East airline has been arrested on suspicion of fraud.

Victor Bassey was taken in for questioning this morning by officers from Cleveland Police.

A spokesman for the force said: "This morning detectives from Cleveland Police Fraud Investigation Team arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of fraud.

"The man has been taken to Middlesbrough Police Office to be questioned."

The Northern Echo revealed in August how Mr Bassey was the man behind Excelsis Airways.

The company said it wanted to launch daily flights from Durham Tees Valley Airport to London City Airport.

However, the police were called in after complaints from former Excelsis employees who resigned after not being paid.

A special investigation by The Northern Echo revealed that the businessman has left a trail of unpaid wages and debts across the North-East after starting a string of companies.