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August 8, 2012updated 14 Sep 2012 2:53pm

Sun journalist arrested in Elveden probe released on bail

By Andrew Pugh

A 37-year-old Sun journalist arrested by police investigating corrupt payments to police and public officials was released on bail last night.

He was arrested at his home in Sussex yesterday morning by officers from the Met's Operation Elveden on suspicion of conspiracy to corrupt and conspiracy to cause misconduct in a public office.

After being taken into custody at a north London police station he was later bailed to a date in November.

A 29-year-old police officer was also arrested at his home in Sussex yesterday on suspicion of conspiracy to corrupt, conspiracy to cause misconduct in a public office and misconduct in a public office.

He was taken into custody at a south London police station and bailed to return on a date in November.

The arrests were the result of information provided to police by News Corporation's Management Standards Committee.

According to The Guardian, News International chief executive Tom Mockridge told staff yesterday that he was 'concerned'about the nature of the arrests.

He reportedly told staff: 'I'm sorry to have to tell you there has been another arrest of a Sun journalist in connection with Operation Elveden.

'The arrest took place earlier this morning. We have given our colleague from the Sun the same legal and practical support that we have offered others.

"We are of course all concerned that these arrests continue to take place. I am also disappointed that representations made on behalf of the MSC about how arrests take place have not been taken up.

"We fully accept that the [Met] is within its rights to carry out its duties. However, we had hoped that the high degree of co-operation provided by the company would be reflected in how they conduct their activities. Thank you for all your ongoing hard work."

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