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The uncle of a five-year-old girl who lost her limbs to meningitis has been quizzed on suspicion of stealing up to £200,000 from her trust fund.

Banker Darren Pease, 33, has been arrested and bailed by police while investigations continue.

Ellie May Challis's trust fund was set up after the Daily Mirror told of her brave fight against meningitis, and appealed for donations.

Darren Pease had the total trust of the family and was one of just two people with authority to take cash from the fund.

Scotland Yard said: "A 33-yearold man was arrested by Romford CID on allegations of theft." A source close to the family from Romford, Essex, added: "Ellie May's parents Paul and Lisa are distraught. It seems the fund has been pretty much cleaned out.

"To make matters even worse the accused is someone they completely trusted and someone Ellie May adores." Ellie May had her arms amputated below the elbows and her legs above the knees in 2005 after a near-fatal meningitis attack.

Her unsuitable NHS legs were swapped for private ones after £20,000 was raised from donations.

Then, in a hammer blow, Havering Primary Care Trust announced it was withdrawing Ellie May's weekly physiotherapy, claiming she was a private patient and no longer eligible for free NHS treatment.

The Mirror took on the case and Havering U-turned, agreeing she could have NHS treatment.

Ellie May quickly asserted her independence, dressing herself, climbing the stairs and even brushing her teeth herself.

The brave way she has risen to the challenge of life has touched many hearts and money has rolled into her fund.