Five arrested over police leaks

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A joint investigation by Thames Valley Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary sparked the arrests but the nature of the alleged offences is still not clear.

A Thames Valley Police (TVP) officer and a Hertfordshire Constabulary officer were arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. A journalist from the Thames Valley area, a 52-year-old Hertfordshire man and a soldier from Cambridgeshire were arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting misconduct in public office.

Police would not give further details about the ages, addresses or occupations of the suspects.

A TVP spokesman added: "The investigation relates to the leaking of sensitive police information and does not involve information relating to the Army or any military operations. A number of premises have been searched in connection with this inquiry and property seized."

Two of the three people arrested by Thames Valley Police were taken to a police station in the force area where they were questioned. They have since been released on police bail. The two arrested by Hertfordshire Constabulary have also been released pending further inquiries.

On Thursday night, it was reported that Johnston Press, owners of the Milton Keynes Citizen, said an unnamed journalist who works for the newspaper was arrested by police at home on Tuesday and the newspaper's offices were raided.

The Press Gazette said a statement issued by Johnston Press said: "Officers of Thames Valley Police executed a search warrant at the offices of the Milton Keynes Citizen, part of Johnston Press plc, at 11.35am on Tuesday, 8 May 2007. No prior notice was given by police. A number of documents and a computer were taken from the premises ...

"Police told Johnston Press that they are investigating allegations of police corruption and the leakage of confidential police information, that they had already arrested a Thames Valley Police officer and that the investigation also involves other media owners."

The statement also said Johnston Press "has no grounds to suppose that its reporter was not carrying out journalistic responsibilities fairly and legally". No-one from Johnston Press was available for comment on Thursday night.