According to Metro, counter-terrorism detectives arrested the 40-year-old former staff member at an address in Coventry on Thursday, April 16. The man was taken into custody and questioned on suspicion of offences contrary to the Computer Misuse Act 1990 before being released on bail to a date in July. The arrest was first announced by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Monday, who stated in a public speech, 'I've been informed by the police that a former parliamentary employee was arrested last week under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
' The investigation is being led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London, with support from the Met's Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, and remains ongoing. The allegations relate to when the man was employed at Parliament, but the specific computer-related offences, motive, or targeted systems have not been disclosed. A Parliamentary spokesperson said, 'We are aware of the arrest of an individual under the Computer Misuse Act 1990, but as this is a live police investigation we are unable to comment further.
I want to make a brief statement about a security matter. I've been informed by the police that a former parliamentary employee was arrested last week under the Computer Misuse Act 1990. The police investigation is ongoing. As you know, we do not discuss the details of such issues on the floor of the House. This is an ongoing criminal investigation. I do not intend to take any further point of order on this matter. I will update members when I'm in a position to share more information.
' It is unclear what evidence led to the arrest or if there is any connection to broader security threats.
We are aware of the arrest of an individual under the Computer Misuse Act 1990, but as this is a live police investigation we are unable to comment further. The safety and security of everyone who works in or visits Parliament is our priority.