A SENIOR city councillor has been suspended from the national Labour Party following his arrest.

Coun Hassan Ahmed, who until this week was a member of the council's executive board, was arrested on July 29 on suspicion of assault and sexual assault.

Following the publication of the story this week, Coun Ahmed – who vehemently denies the allegation – stood down from his position as portfolio holder for employment and skills, pending the outcome of the police investigation.

Now, the national Labour Party has taken action.

A spokeswoman said: "The party has suspended Hassan Ahmed pending an investigation by the Labour Party.

"We will not do anything until the police investigation has concluded. He is suspended from attending the Labour Group on Nottingham City Council or any party meeting, but he is still a councillor."

She said the suspension came after party managers saw details of Coun Ahmed's arrest in the Evening Post.

The Labour Party branch in Coun Ahmed's Berridge ward was due to select its candidates for the 2011 local election tomorrow. That meeting has been postponed.