The York police officer arrested in an armed robbery inquiry is well-known licensing officer PC Arthur Swaine, the Evening Press can reveal today.

PC Arthur Swaine, York's licensing officer, pictured in 1997, on the corner of Swinegate and Grape Lane, York, where a new pub was being proposed

In a statement released to the paper last night, he vowed to clear his name.

PC Swaine was arrested by Task Force officers and released on police bail after an early-morning raid at his home on Wednesday.

And today a woman was being questioned by officers at Skipton Police Station after a separate arrest yesterday.

The Evening Press reported yesterday that an officer had been arrested by detectives investigating a robbery at a post office at Burton-in-Lonsdale in the Yorkshire Dales last September.

Last night York solicitors Cox Robertson issued a statement on behalf of PC Swaine - whose responsibilities include the licensing of pubs and clubs and the prevention of alcohol abuse across the York area - firmly denying any involvement in a crime last September.

But today, the Evening Press was told that PC Swaine has changed his solicitor.

His new solicitor Sandra Keen, of York firm Gillings, Walker and Keen, today confirmed she had received instructions to act on Arthur Swaine's behalf.

She said: "We have received written instructions from him but he has withdrawn his authority for any press release to be made on his behalf by any other firm of solicitors."

North Yorkshire Police said yesterday an officer had been released on bail pending further inquiries and had been suspended from duties.

A spokesman refused to name the officer or disclose the allegations against him.

Fellow officers at York expressed shock and amazement at the arrest.

Last night Richard Kirby, of Cox Robertson, said in a statement on behalf of the officer: "Mr Swaine was interviewed at Skipton Police Station on January 5 in connection with a criminal investigation going back to September 1999.

"Mr Swaine denies that he is involved in any way in the matter being investigated. He has been released on bail pending further inquiries. He has not been charged with any offence and is currently suspended from duty."

He said PC Swaine, who had been bailed to next week, was not available for interview.

PC Swaine is a well-respected licensing officer both in York and further afield and has spoken many times at conferences in London, proudly telling of York's achievements in combating under-age drinking and drink-related violence.

Along with colleague PC Alan Sunderland, he introduced new initiatives such as the use of sniffer dogs at night-clubs to combat drug dealers, drug and alcohol roadshows, banning the sale of alcopops and the setting up of the successful Doorsafe scheme, for which he received a commendation from police commanders.

He has also been instrumental in a drastic change to York's drinking habits, with the introduction of a caf quarter and the granting of licences for a number of new establishments, including the Slug and Lettuce, Pitcher and Piano, and the Clifton Moor nightclub Ikon Diva.

He gained a reputation for being tough on the granting of licences and has fought a long-running battle to keep JD Wetherspoon pubs out of York, as well as preventing any extensions to the Micklegate Run.

In 1995 Arthur Swaine received a commendation from the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire for his "consistent dedication and outstanding ability" as York's licensing officer.

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