DYFED-Powys Police have just confirmed that Gloucestershire Constabulary will carry out a formal investigation into Carmarthenshire County Council and Pembrokeshire County Council over matters raised by the Wales Audit Office.

In a statement released at 4pm they said that it was in the public interest "to ascertain whether or not any criminal offences have taken place".

The statement reads: "We have now fully considered the three Public Interest Reports published on 30th January 2014 by Wales Audit Office, into matters relating to Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire County Councils.

"As a result, the Force has decided that it is a matter which should be investigated in the public interest by the Police, to ascertain whether or not any criminal offences have taken place.

"Due to the close working relationships and partnership arrangements that exist between Dyfed-Powys Police and both local authorities, it is not appropriate for the Force to carry out the enquiry.

"As such the matter has been referred to Gloucestershire Constabulary who will undertake the investigation.

"Dyfed-Powys Police would like to make it absolutely clear that this decision has been taken by the Police alone, and has in no way been influenced by political commentary or media reporting on this issue."