Scotland Yard’s communications chief today denied a suggestion that he arranged for Rebekah Brooks to be loaned a police horse in return for securing work experience for his son.

Five people have been arrested over payments to police officers in the phone-hacking inquiry, Scotland Yard said.

A serving Scotland Yard officer has been arrested on suspicion of receiving illegal payments from journalists.

The former News of the World crime editor has been arrested in England on suspicion of paying police officers.