A solicitor who was suspended over claims she handled clients' money dishonestly has been arrested in connection with an alleged charity fraud.

Judith Winship, 34, who is being investigated by the Law Society, was one of four people held by police when they swooped on homes in the North-East.

Police carried out an extensive search of Mrs Winship's house in Washington, Wearside, hours after her arrest. She lives there with her husband, David.

She was arrested as part of an investigation into alleged cash irregularities involving the Lazarus Foundation, a Sunderland charity which helps drug addicts and alcoholics.

The arrests in Washington and Sunderland were carried out after an investigation by Sunderland City CID and Northumbria Police fraud squad.

Detectives also raided the charity's offices in the West Sunniside area of Sunderland.

The company was formed in 1995 to help the homeless, former offenders and recovering alcoholics and drug addicts.

The four people arrested were questioned by police about the allegations.

Mrs Winship and three men were released on police bail pending further inquiries