A West Dunbartonshire councillor has been charged with taking and possessing indecent images of children.

Labour councillor Craig Edward, the convener of the authority's housing and communities committee, was arrested and charged with two alleged offences after a raid by police at his home in the town on Monday, September 26.

He appeared the following day at Dumbarton Sheriff Court, where he made no plea in respect of the accusations and was released on bail.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with online offences, and was due to appear at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.”

Cllr Edward faces two charges under section 52 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

He was committed for further examination at Tuesday's hearing, pending a further court appearance on a date yet to be confirmed.

Cllr Edward was elected to represent the Clydebank Central ward on West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) at the local government elections in May of this year.

Shortly after the election, at which Labour formed a majority administration, he was made the authority's housing and communities convener.

The Reporter understands he has been suspended from the Labour Party pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

West Dunbartonshire Council and Scottish Labour said they were unable to comment during active court proceedings.