Election betting: Seven officers now under investigation – BBC News

The number of Metropolitan Police officers under investigation over bets on the timing of the general election has risen to at least seven, the force has confirmed.

A royalty and specialist protection officer arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office remains on bail and is subject to restricted duties while a further six officers have been identified as having placed bets on the timing of the 4 July election so far, the Met said on Thursday.

Scotland Yard had previously indicated that six officers were under investigation.

The head of the Gambling Commission, which is leading an investigation alongside the Met, said they would not confirm the names of those under suspicion to “protect the integrity of the investigation”.

The latest statement from the force and Gambling Commission suggests that where there is suspicion of cheating alone, the betting watchdog will investigate.

However, where there is a suspicion of an additional offence – such as misconduct in public office – then the Met’s specialist crime command will be brought in to investigate.

It is understood that the number of cases the Met may take the lead on is “very small”.

The definition of who is a public officer includes police constables, elected officials such as MPs, councillors, ministers and mayors, and civil servants.

Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin said: “We have agreed a joint approach with the Gambling Commission, who are the appropriate authority to investigate the majority of these allegations.

“There will, however, be a small number of cases where a broader criminal investigation by the police is required.”