Pc held over Heathrow 'shoplifting'

A Scotland Yard officer suspected of playing a key role in a shoplifting ring at Heathrow Airport has been arrested.

The police constable, who is based at the airport as a member of the force's SO18 aviation security unit, was held earlier today.

The move followed an investigation into the organised theft of high-value goods, believed to include cigarettes, from stores at the airport's new Terminal Five.

The officer was arrested by anti-corruption colleagues at his Reading home on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

A 43-year-old man and a woman, in her thirties, were also arrested at their home in Bracknell, Berkshire, on suspicion of theft.

All three were being questioned at a south London police station. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been informed of the operation.

A Met spokesman said a decision on whether the officer should be suspended from duty will be made "in due course".