Former Keighley Cougars chairman Carl Metcalfe has been arrested in connection with alleged drugs offences.

Mr Metcalfe - the man dubbed 'Mr Midas' - was one of three men and three women held after a drugs-squad raid involving armed officers.

Medical experts were then alerted. Mr Metcalfe, who is understood to be addicted to hard drugs, was detained under the Mental Health Act. He is currently being held in hospital.

The raid was part of an ongoing operation by specialist officers of the West Yorkshire Police drugs squad and officers from Keighley.

A number of premises in the Keighley area were searched. It is believed the Metcalfe family home at Bronte Villas, Cross Roads, was targeted by police. One of the three women allegedly involved is believed to be Metcalfe's wife Val. The alleged offences relate to controlled drugs and the manufacturing of tablets.

All six have been given police bail pending further inquiries. A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police says: "Certain substances have been seized and we are awaiting forensic reports."

Mr Metcalfe, who says he made his fortune from a double-glazing business and by buying and selling jewellery, took over the Cougars in July 1996 in a blaze of publicity. He promised to get the club into rugby league's Super League and to build a ground based on Barcelona Football Club's famous Nou Camp Stadium. He resigned in September 1997.

His business interests in Keighley include the International Boulevard hairdressing salon in Cavendish Street and the Betta Bodies gym in Goulbourne Street.

No one was available at the Metcalfe home for comment.

Keighley Police declined to make an official statement.

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