New arrest in ex-chief minister police investigation

A 45-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of harassment, as part of what police say is an ongoing investigation.

The BBC understands it is in connection with an investigation into former chief minister, Deputy Gavin St Pier, and his wife, Jane St Pier, who confirmed they had been arrested on Friday on suspicion of misconduct in public office and an offence under the 1948 Reform Law.

The 59-year-olds, who were released without charge, "unequivocally" deny all allegations of wrongdoing.

The arrested 45-year-old woman, who has not been named, is not a current or former politician.

The St Piers' arrests on Friday came after they were also arrested in December on suspicion of harassment.

Both occasions "directly relate to the same investigation", Guernsey Police said.

Since his arrest on Friday, St Pier announced he would resign from Guernsey's top political committee, of which he is vice president, and that he would stand again for the post.

The Policy and Resources Committee has said it would invite expressions of interest for the role, and that St Pier would not be the committee's preferred candidate.

Deputies Haley Camp, Marc Lainé, David Goy, Simon Vermeulen and Jayne Ozanne have all so far expressed an interest in the vacancy.

Originally Guernsey Police said the 45-year-old woman had also been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, but has since clarified she was not.

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