PC Arthur Swaine

The York police officer arrested last week in an armed robbery inquiry has been re-arrested in connection with another matter.

The policeman, whom the Evening Press has revealed to be licensing officer PC Arthur Swaine, was arrested and then questioned for a second time at Skipton police station yesterday.

But he was again released without being charged and is not now due to go back to Skipton until towards the end of next month.

And police are refusing to reveal the nature of the allegations behind the second arrest, saying that to do so at this stage could impede the inquiry.

PC Swaine was originally arrested at his York home last Wednesday in connection with an armed robbery at a post office at Burton-in-Lonsdale in the Yorkshire Dales, near Ingleton.

During the incident last September, a man threatened staff with a pistol-type firearm before escaping with cash and being driven away from the scene by a woman. PC Swaine, whose responsibilities include the licensing of pubs and clubs and the prevention of alcohol abuse, was taken to Skipton police station last week, questioned and then released without charge on police bail, and also suspended from his duties. He had been due to return to Skipton tomorrow.

But a statement issued last night by North Yorkshire Police said: "The police officer who was arrested on January 5 was re-arrested today in connection with another matter.

"He has not been charged with any offences and was released on police bail to re-appear at Skipton on February 23.

"His original bail for January 13 has been cancelled."

The police spokesman added that a York woman arrested in connection with the inquiry last Thursday was still on police bail to re-appear at Skipton tomorrow.

A statement issued by solicitors on PC Swaine's behalf last Thursday firmly denied any involvement in a crime last September.

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