Policeman arrested over ‘plebgate’ leak defended by Met’s staff group

THE arrest of a police constable over the alleged leaking of information surrounding the “plebgate” row was criticised by rank-and-file officers’ representatives yesterday.

• Former chief whip Andrew Mitchell allegedly called police officers “plebs”

• Arrested police officer was not on duty during incident

Met Police Federation chair John Tully questioned whether it was proportionate as the fallout continued from the foul-mouthed outburst which forced Andrew Mitchell to quit the Cabinet.

A Diplomatic Protection Squad officer was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has been suspended from duty and bailed to return in January.

As the case was referred to the Independent Police Complaints (IPCC) watchdog, Mr Mitchell renewed his claim that elements of a police log obtained by newspapers were “false”.

The MP resigned in October after weeks of controversy over what he was reported to have said to police after being told he could not ride his bike through the main gates of Downing Street.

In his resignation letter, he

admitted swearing at one of the officers on duty at the famous address – delivering as his parting shot: “I thought you guys were supposed to f****** help us.” But he firmly denied directing the words “pleb” or “moron” at him.

The story of the set-to first emerged in the Sun newspaper, and transcripts of what was allegedly said, including those insults, appeared later in the Daily Telegraph.

Fresh information was obtained by the Metropolitan Police on Thursday about how the press came by the published information, leading to the arrest.