Two aldermen in The Hague have agreed to step down from their jobs temporarily while they are investigated for possible corruption and bribery.

Deputy mayor and economic affairs alderman Richard de Mos, and Rachid Guernaoui, who is in charge of the city finances, are suspected of accepting payments in return for bar and cafe licences.

Both represent the Groep de Mos/Hart voor Den Haag faction on the city council which emerged as the biggest group in the March local elections.

The two men said in a joint statement on Tuesday evening that they have been overwhelmed by the accusations and have full confidence that they will be cleared once the investigation has been completed.

Their city hall offices and homes were raided as part of the investigation earlier on Tuesday.