Mr Snoddy took up duties as director in March 2004

A Baltic spokesman said he was interviewed by Metropolitan Police officers on Tuesday in connection with an alleged incident in London five to six weeks ago.

The Director of Finance and Resources Andrew Lovett will act as director until further notice.

The Baltic said it will co-operate with the police in any way necessary.

The Baltic opened in July 2002 and was a major part of the Newcastle-Gateshead bid for Capital of Culture in 2008

Mr Snoddy took up full-time duties in the post of director in March 2004.