Three bailed in corruption probe - The Press Association

(UKPA) – 38 minutes ago 

Two journalists and a police officer arrested as part of an investigation into allegations of corruption have been released on bail, Scotland Yard said

Sun journalists aged 52 and 47 have been bailed to return in May, while the 39-year-old police officer has been bailed to return on a date in March.

Three other journalists from the newspaper, a Ministry of Defence employee and a serving member of the Armed Forces remain in custody over the probe into inappropriate payments to police and public officials.

Rupert Murdoch has reassured staff of his "total commitment" to continue to own and publish The Sun.

In an internal memo to staff at News International, the company that owns The Sun and The Times, chief executive Tom Mockridge said he had had a "personal assurance" from Rupert Murdoch that he plans to continue to own and publish The Sun. It is expected Mr Murdoch will visit staff in London towards the end of the week.

Mr Mockridge also said he had written to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) to seek clarification about the process of independent oversight of the police investigation. An IPCC spokesman: "We await receipt of any letter, and will respond appropriately."

The editor of the newspaper, Dominic Mohan, said he was shocked by the developments but would focus on putting out Monday's edition.

Earlier, five men aged 45, 50, 68, 52 and 47 were arrested at addresses in London, Kent and Essex on suspicion of corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906, aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office, and conspiracy in relation to both these offences.

A 39-year-old serving Surrey Police officer, a 39-year-old Ministry of Defence employee and a 36-year-old member of the armed forces were also arrested at their homes on suspicion of corruption, misconduct in a public office and conspiracy in relation to both.

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