PCSO among four arrested over leak

A PCSO and three other people have been arrested in the West Midlands as part of a "large-scale" investigation into leaked information.

Anti-corruption officers from West Midlands Police carried out the arrests on Thursday after gathering information about a leak.

The 42-year-old PCSO was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office from an address in Sandwell.

He has since been suspended.

Two men aged 57 and 58 were arrested in Blackheath and a 51-year-old woman was arrested in Tipton on suspicion of procuring misconduct in a public office.

All four have been bailed pending further investigation.

Chief Inspector Debra Doyle, from West Midlands Police Professional Standards Department, said: "We have carried out a large proactive investigation into allegations of leaked information over the last three months which culminated with these four simultaneous arrests yesterday.

"We expect the highest standards from our officers and staff and proactively seek to identify anyone who is suspected of any corrupt activity which would undermine the work of the force.

"The vast majority of West Midlands Police officers and staff are passionate, committed and proud of the work that they do. We have processes and teams in place to ensure that anyone acting suspiciously or suspected of being involved in corruption will be investigated, and where appropriate will be brought before the courts."

The arrests are not linked to the Metropolitan Police's ongoing Operation Elveden into allegations of corrupt payments to police and public officials, Scotland Yard said.