CHILD abuse investigation officers have been brought in to investigate council computer equipment used by the town's mayor.

Essex Police were called into action in response to information from Chelmsford Council, focusing on possible improper use of technology.

As the news broke, Chelmsford mayor David Lee stood down as mayor and resigned as Chelmsford Council member for the Moulsham and Central ward on Friday November 9.

Essex Police confirmed information from Chelmsford Council led them to execute a warrant on a Chelmsford address and seize a large number of computer related items.

A police spokesman said: "The force's child abuse investigation unit will be examining these items to see if any offences have been committed.

"The investigation is ongoing so it would be inappropriate to comment on the content of the images the detectives are examining."

Mr Lee, a father of three, has been suspended from the Conservative group of Chelmsford Council, until the outcome of the investigation.

He has stood down as chair of the 2008 Chelmsford Christian Festival, while his position as vice-chair of The Boswells School governors has also been put on hold, pending the investigation's results.

A spokesperson for Chelmsford Council confirmed the mayor's resignation.

She added: "This follows an ongoing police investigation, in relation to alleged inappropriate use of computer equipment belonging to Chelmsford Borough Council.

"Full cooperation is being given to the police by the mayor and the council, in an investigation which is likely to last several months."

David Crowe, headteacher of The Boswells School, said the school was surprised and concerned at the news.

He said: "Mr Lee is a governor of long-standing at The Boswells School and has given many years of service to the school.

"Our governors are active in monitoring the provision, life and work of the school community.

"Governors do not have unsupervised access to students, though they will observe lessons and other activities in the company of the school staff."

Mr Lee was sworn into office as mayor this May, when he became the second youngest mayor in Chelmsford Council's history.

But his resignation comes just over five months of serving the town.