Man arrested on suspicion of stalking MP

A man has been arrested on suspicion of stalking after an MP reported security concerns.

Labour's Sarah Owen, who represents Luton North, suspended face-to-face meetings last week.

In a post on social media, she said there had been three incidents in three weeks, resulting in two arrests, with a third incident causing a surgery to be halted.

Bedfordshire Police said a man in his 40s had been arrested on suspicion of stalking and remained in police custody.

Supt Hobibul Hoque from Bedfordshire Police said: "Over the weekend, we were made aware of reports of concerning behaviour and malicious communications towards Sarah Owen MP.

"A man in his 40s has since been arrested on suspicion of stalking and remains in police custody."

He said the arrest followed two unrelated incidents involving Owen. In those cases one man was given a conditional caution and another was on police bail pending further enquiries.

Bedfordshire Police did not provide further details on the three incidents.

"Following this latest incident, we are reviewing our Operation Bridger response and will be working closely with Ms Owen's office to establish whether any additional preventative measures can be put in place," Hoque said.

All MPs usually hold weekly constituency surgeries in their local offices, where anyone can come and meet them to raise an issue, usually by appointment.

Owen said on social media she resented having to suspend her surgeries.

However, she added it was to ensure "that my team and those who attend my surgeries are safe".

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