A SOUTHAMPTON legal firm has been shut down while its top solicitor is investigated over allegations of account fraud.

The Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) has confirmed it has suspended Christopher Gadd of Christopher Gadd Ltd while it investigates what it describes as “breaches of solicitors’ account rules”.

The SRA confirmed it had stepped in to close the firm’s Southampton offices in Millbrook Road East.

Meanwhile, the company’s finances and cases were frozen by the authority until a full investigation is completed.

Mr Gadd was a senior partner in the firm, which was described as a general practice handling personal injury claims, conveyancing for house sales, wills, family matters and commercial property.

It is believed the firm had at least 25 members of staff at its Southampton office as well as a second office in Christchurch.

Windows at the Southampton offices were boarded up last night and the company’s name had been peeled from the glass.

An answer machine message on the company’s phone said the office was closed for staff training.

Last night the legal firm’s website was taken down and replaced with a notice from specialist solicitor firm Blake Lapthorn informing all clients that “Christopher Gadd Ltd Solicitors has closed”.

Any clients can contact Blake Lapthorn’s intervention team on 023 8085 7270 or visit the website bllaw.co.uk/intervention.