TWO female Hampshire police officers have been arrested on suspicion of corruption, the Daily Echo can exclusively reveal.

The two women, aged 28 and 29, who live in Southampton and work in the city as police constables, were held during dawn raids.

This afternoon they are in custody on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.

The 28-year-old woman is also being quizzed on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and perverting the course of justice.

Four men, aged 22, 26, 28 and 32, have also been arrested during the raids which took place at 6am yesterday in Thornbury Avenue, Shirley, King Edward Avenue in Regents Park, Wyndham Court and Derby Road in the city centre. All are being questioned on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

The 32-year-old is also being held on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, while the 26-year-old is being interviewed by officers concerning the supply of class B drugs.

The warrants were executed simultaneously in a pre planned operation led by Hampshire police’s anti-corruption unit and follow allegations that confidential police information has been disclosed.

The 28-year-old officer has since been suspended by the force, which is also considering internal misconduct proceedings against her colleague.

Detective Superintendent Colin Smith, head of the force’s Professional Standards Department said: “Hampshire Constabulary upholds a policy of zero tolerance in relation to police corruption and will spare no efforts in investigating any allegations in order to maintain the integrity of the force and public confidence in the service we provide.”

The investigation is being supervised by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.