Detectives quizzed over expenses

A review of spending on staff credit cards is under way

Two detectives are being investigated over allegations staff credit cards were used to pay for personal expenses.

They were arrested last month and have been bailed pending further inquiries.

The Metropolitan Police's professional standards watchdog has launched a review of spending on American Express cards issued to staff.

Scotland Yard would not comment on a News of the World report that up to £6m is unaccounted for and hundreds of officers are likely to be interviewed.

The investigation comes after auditors from the Metropolitan Police Authority identified possible failings in the way expenses were managed.

'Robust handling'

A Met Police spokesman said one of its officers was arrested at an address in Cambridgeshire on 5 October while off duty.

The other was arrested three days later as part of the same inquiry.

He added: "The director of professional standards is currently conducting a review around the issue and usage of the Met's American Express cards.

"Any alleged criminality that is uncovered will be dealt with robustly. We have a comprehensive plan to recover any money that is outstanding."

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police Authority said the review was launched after its internal auditors alerted the Met to possible failings in the management of expenses.