Three men connected to Police Federation arrested on suspicion of fraud

Three individuals "connected" to the Police Federation of England and Wales have been arrested over fraud allegations.

The City of London Police's corruption unit said it had carried out a "significant investigation" into alleged fraud linked to the staff body, which represents rank-and-file officers.

A 46-year-old man from Surrey, a 51-year-old man from Wales, and a 55-year-old man from Bristol were arrested on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position.

The suspects' names or positions have not been confirmed, although police said they either currently or previously "occupied senior roles within [the Police Federation's] governance and operational structure".

The Police Federation said it was "cooperating fully with the relevant authorities".

"This is a live matter and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage," it added.

The force carried out searches and made arrests on Wednesday morning in Wales, Somerset, London and Surrey.

Searches were carried out at Federation House in Leatherhead, the headquarters of the Police Federation.

It said searches were also carried out at the residential addresses of those under investigation.

The City of London's Domestic Corruption Unit is encouraging current and former employees, or anyone else who believes they may hold relevant information, to come forward.

Det Supt James Halkett said detectives were carrying out a "complex and active investigation in which we are pursuing all lines of enquiry".