A top Jewish lawyer has been interviewed by police investigating the alleged theft of £158,000 of his former chambers' funds.

David Friesner, who has represented Premier League footballers and was one of Manchester's most highly regarded barristers, was questioned under caution over the missing money. He has not been arrested or charged.

Mr Friesner, of Salford, denies any wrongdoing. His solicitor, Ian Lewis, said he would continue to aid police.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed fraud investigators are looking into allegations of theft, fraud and false accounting, based on a report of financial irregularities at the St John Street Chambers.

The 44-year-old was asked to leave the chambers following an internal investigation when the allegations first arose at the end of last year.

He had been a member of the city centre chambers for 14 years and was deputy head of chambers.

Mr Friesner specialised in criminal law including complex fraud and money-laundering cases as well as murder, rape and robbery offences. He was regarded in law circles as a "heavy hitter" for his fearsome cross-examination of defendants.