A journalist from the Milton Keynes Citizen was among five people arrested this week as part of an investigation into allegations that sensitive police information has been leaked to the media.

Thames Valley Police also searched the offices of the Johnston Press-owned Citizen and a number of documents and a computer were taken from the premises.

The journalist, who has not been named, was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office.

A 52-year-old Hertfordshire man and a soldier from Cambridgeshire were also arrested on the same charge, and a Thames Valley Police officer and a Hertfordshire Constabulary officer were arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

A statement from 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 11:35 a.m. on Tuesday, 8 May 2007. No prior notice was given by police.

“Later, police arrested a part-time member of the paper’s reporting staff at the reporter’s home.

“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 group said it would co-operate with the police inquiries but added that it had “no grounds to suppose that its reporter was not carrying out journalistic responsibilities fairly and legally”.

It said it would support the reporter by funding independent legal advice.

The investigation is being carried out jointly by Hertfordshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police, which said it did not involve information relating to the army or any military operations.

Thames Valley Police said: “Two of the five people arrested were taken to a police station in Thames Valley where they were questioned. They have since been released on police bail.

“The two arrested by Hertfordshire Constabulary have also been released pending further enquiries.

“A number of premises were searched in connection with this inquiry and property seized.” Do you have a story about the regional press?
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