Andrew Mitchell is reportedly sceptical over Mr Hogan-Howe's involvement. Picture: David Jones/PA Wire

A police officer has been arrested over the leak of information to national newspapers about an incident in Downing Street which led to the resignation of Conservative Party Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell.

A constable in the Diplomatic Protection Group was detained on Saturday at 8.15pm and bailed yesterday to return in January, the Metropolitan Police said.

He has also been suspended from duty and the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. The officer arrested was not on duty at the time of the incident in Downing Street, Scotland Yard added.

The arrests came after the Met received “fresh information regarding the alleged unauthorised disclosure of information”.

Mr Mitchell resigned in October after weeks of controversy over what he was alleged to have said to police after being told he could not ride his bike through the main gates.