A POLICE officer who was arrested on suspicion of theft following an investigation carried out by his own force has been released under investigation.

The Cleveland Police officer, who is a member of the force's Police Federation team, remains suspended from duty.

The male officer has also been suspended from his federation role by the national body following a meeting earlier this week.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson confirmed the officer had now been released from custody.

She said: “A male officer, who was arrested on Thursday, November 1, on suspicion of theft, has been released under investigation and suspended from duty by the Force.

"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.

Police Federation members act as representatives for officers on matters of pay and employment conditions.