TWO police officers have been arrested after allegedly taking police cars for their own use, it was confirmed yesterday.

The officers, both constables based at Durham Constabulary's headquarters at Aykley Heads, Durham City, were arrested last week.

Both officers, who are understood to work for the force's surveillance unit, were arrested on suspicion of theft and accused of misusing police property as they turned in for a shift.

They have now been suspended from duty while inquiries continue.

The officers are alleged to have each taken an unmarked police car for their own use without permission. Both vehicles were returned shortly afterwards, having covered just a few miles.

The officers have been questioned on suspicion of theft relating to the petrol used during the alleged trips.

Both are also the subject of an internal investigation for an alleged breach of discipline relating to the taking of the two cars.

A Durham Police spokesman said both officers were male constables, one aged 40 and the other 41.

The spokesman added: "Two officers attached to a specialist team based at headquarters were arrested on suspicion of theft last week.

"They were detained as they came into work and were interviewed at Durham City police station and released on bail pending further inquiries.

"The ongoing investigation was initiated from within the force and concerns the alleged unauthorised use of unmarked police vehicles.

"Inquiries into both criminal and internal matters are being carried out by staff from the force's professional standards department."

The officers are expected answer their bail on a date to be fixed in November.