Sun crime editor Mike Sullivan cleared after 14 months on police bail

Crime editor of The Sun Mike Sullivan has been cleared some 14 months after being arrested by the Met Police Operation Elveden bribes inquiry.

Sullivan was arrested alongside former deputy editor of The Sun Fergus Shanahan, former managing editor Graham Dudman and news editor Chris Pharo on 28 January 2012. Since then all four have been on police bail.

News International said in a statement: "We can confirm that the police have concluded that no further action is to be taken against Mike Sullivan – The Sun's distinguished crime editor. After more than a year of uncertainty we are pleased that Mike can now carry on with his work without this distraction. We are grateful to him and others for the professionalism they have shown under very difficult circumstances".

Sullivan and his colleagues were questioned on suspicion of corruption, aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office and conspiracy.

A force spokesman said at the time that the operation was "the result of information provided to police by News Corporation's management and standards committee".

He added: "It relates to suspected payments to police officers and is not about seeking journalists to reveal confidential sources in relation to information that has been obtained legitimately."

Sullivan said: "I feel sadness that colleagues are still in the same predicament over the last 14 months, but hopefully they will find a successful resolution."

At least 22 Sun journalists have been arrested as a result of police investigations into bribery allegations (Operation Elveden) and computer hacking (Tuleta).

Mr Sullivan told the BBC: "I am very pleased. It has been a long 14 months in many ways, but my delight at the news today is tempered by the fact that so many colleagues are still in the same situation. I hope they find some resolution."