British police foil internet bank robbery

Police in Britain have foiled what¿s believed to be the first attempt to steal money from an internet bank.

Three men are being questioned after they were arrested following a six-month operation, codenamed Skoda.

The internet bank, Egg, which has more than a million customers, was targeted by organised criminals who planned to steal thousands of pounds from accounts.

An Egg spokesman said the company had worked closely with the police to develop a software system which alerted staff when they received suspicious multiple applications for cash.

Correspondents say the attempted fraud will send shock waves through the Internet banking industry.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service