PC in diplomatic squad arrested

A POLICE constable with the diplomatic protection group has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, the Metropolitan Police says.

The officer was arrested late on Saturday and bailed yesterday to return in January. He has been suspended.

The arrest was made by officers investigating how newspapers came to publish police records of an incident at Downing Street. It involved Andrew Mitchell, the then Tory chief whip, allegedly calling officers “plebs”.

Yesterday, the Met said the arrested officer was not on duty during the incident, and it had found no evidence to suggest those on duty on the day were involved in the unauthorised release of information.