Two Durham Police Officers arrested on suspicion of theft

Two police officers have been arrested on suspicion of theft and accused of misusing police property.

The officers, who work in Durham Police surveillance unit, were picked up as they turned in for a shift at force headquarters at Aykley Heads last week.

Both have been suspended from duty pending further inquiries.

Details of the allegations are not being made public, but it is understood they relate to the use of police vehicles.

Both officers, who are not classed as detectives but routinely work in plain clothes, are alleged to have each taken an unmarked police car for their own use without permission.

The officers have been questioned on suspicion of theft relating to the petrol used during the alleged jaunts.