Farmers sent 'criminals' details

Northumbria Police are investigating into how the personal details of dozens of suspected criminals were emailed to 150 farmers.

Members of the Farm Watch scheme in Northumberland were sent a bulletin updating them on recent events.

But a document containing the names, dates of birth and addresses of 51 local suspects was mistakenly attached.

When the error was spotted a follow-up email urged recipients not to read the document but delete it immediately.

Sincere apology

The document, which was sent out on 14 November, also contained information about the action the force intended to take against the suspects.

An inquiry has begun into how the lapse in data security happened and the Information Commission has been informed.

Chf Supt Kevin Lambert said: "We sincerely apologise for this error.

"We believe at this stage that there is nothing that would compromise individual or public safety.

"An internal review is being undertaken and we will introduce measures to guard against this type of incident happening in the future."

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