A COUNCILLOR who stepped down after a shock resignation is being investigatedby police for child sex offences. The Argus can reveal.

Councillor Matthew Julian Lock cited “personal problems” for his sudden departure from Hastings Borough Council at the end of May and said it was due to “ill health”.

The Argus can reveal that Mr Lock has been on police bail for seven months over allegations of inciting a 15-year-old boy to engage in sexual activity.

Mr Lock, who is on police bail until Monday, August 10, has also been suspended from any further involvement with the Scouts.

The 38-year-old’s resignation from the council has sparked a by-election for his St Helens ward seat, which will be held on Thursday, July 9.

In a statement announcing his resignation, Mr Lock, of Baird Drive, in Hastings, said: “Members will be aware that over the last six months I have had some personal problems.

“These have yet to be resolved and have made it very difficult for me to meet my commitment to effectively represent my constituents, as well as the wider duties of being a councillor. Regretfully, I have concluded that it is necessary to stand down from my role as councillor for St Helens ward.

"I would like to thank everyone for their kind words of support and look forward to being of active service for our community in the future.”

Councillor Liam Atkins, Hastings Borough Council Conservative group leader, said: “Matt did stand down.

“It was the right thing to do. Because of his own ill health, he felt it was not possible for him to continue as councillor in the St Helens ward.”

A Scout Association spokesman said the body is aware of the police investigation and is currently co-operating.

He said: “Lock was suspended from any form of contact with the movement as soon as we were made aware by the statutory agencies in November 2014.

“We can confirm that Lock was a volunteer in Sussex until he was suspended. The Scout Association carries out stringent vetting of all adults who work with young people and requires them to work to strict guidelines outlined in the Young People First code of good practice.”

A Hastings Borough Council spokesman said: “We were made aware late last year that former councillor Matthew J Lock had been questioned by the police in connection with these alleged offences, but no charges had been made at that time. Indeed, no charges had been made up to the time he resigned.”