A HEALTH worker has been arrested after confidential health files were dumped in a lay-by.

The records, which contain details of mental patients cared for by Gateshead Health Trust, were found at Cramlington, Northumberland.

A 42-year-old employee of the trust, suspended by his bosses, has been arrested and questioned by police.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "We can confirm a 42-year-old man who works for Gateshead Health was interviewed by officers on police bail. No charges have yet been brought."

The trust has launched its own investigation