Two more arrests over 'plebgate' including serving constable

Andrew Mitchell denied using the word "plebs"

Two more people, including a serving constable, have been arrested by police investigating the "plebgate" row.

A 37-year-old female officer in the Diplomatic Protection Group has been detained on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.

A 46-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of assisting the commission of such an offence.

The investigation relates to an altercation in Downing Street which led Andrew Mitchell to quit as a minister.

Mr Mitchell has admitted swearing in the presence of officers after he was asked to use a side entrance to leave Downing Street.

But the Conservative MP has denied using the word "plebs" and subsequent evidence has cast doubt on the police version of the encounter - which was leaked to a number of newspapers at the time.

Police have made six previous arrests as part of Operation Alice, the investigation into last September's incident and police conduct.

The officer arrested on Wednesday had already been placed on restricted duties as part of the investigation and it is now anticipated she will be suspended.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said the two people arrested had been "taken to separate police stations - one in London, one outside of London - where they remain in custody".

The Independent Police Complaints Commission, which continues to supervise the investigation, had been informed, it added.