A POLICE officer has been arrested on suspicion of theft following an investigation carried out by his own force, it can be revealed this morning.

The Cleveland Police officer, who is a member of the force's Police Federation team, has also been suspended from his federation role by the national body following a meeting earlier this week.

A spokesman for the Cleveland Police Federation confirmed his colleague was no longer able to undertake Federation duties at the present time while enquiries continue.

He said: "We can confirm that a member of the Cleveland Police Federation has been arrested and is subject to an investigation by Cleveland Police.

"He was suspended from his role with Cleveland federation by the national federation on Monday evening – October 29 ­– and is not permitted to undertake federation duties at this time.

"Due to the ongoing investigation it would be inappropriate for us to comment further."

The unnamed officer was arrested yesterday morning in connection with the allegation of theft.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a male officer was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of theft.

"Enquiries are ongoing.”

Cleveland Police Federation currently has three senior officers in its ranks, who are supported in their role by 16 representatives who cover the entirety of the force area, which includes Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland.

Members of a force's Police Federation act as representatives for all of its members on matters of pay and employment conditions, including disciplinary hearings and investigations into fellow officers.

Serving police officers of all ranks are able to speak to their Federation representatives in confidence.