Mystery surrounds the reason behind the suspension of Longleat chief executive David Bradley, with Longleat confirming this week that an investigation is being carried out.

The Wiltshire Times understands that Mr Bradley was removed from the site last week, with all locks to the Estate office and his office replaced.

Longleat confirmed that Mr Bradley had been temporarily suspended from his role as the head of the safari and adventure park while a review is carried out.

Mr Bradley, formerly managing director of Legoland, was brought in by the Viscount of Weymouth Ceawlin after his father Lord Bath retired in 2009, with the new CEO tasked with bringing the park into the 21st century.

A spokesman for Longleat said: “David Bradley has been temporarily suspended from Longleat and we are currently carrying out a review. We’re unable to comment further on any claims as it would be unfair to those involved.”

Longleat’s PR agency Pelham Bell Pottinger said the park is currently being run by an interim team while the investigation is taking place.

Since Mr Bradley’s arrival, Longleat has embarked on an ambitious five-year programme of investment and development in new visitor attractions.

The park, opened in 1966, has seen new attractions such as the £2million Jungle Kingdom, the Monkey Temple and Hunters of the Sky open in the past three years.

Mr Bradley has also driven Longleat’s recent acquisition of two luxury hotels in the Wiltshire and Bath areas, namely The Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa and Homewood Park Hotel and Spa.