FIVE serving Gwent police officers and a local man arrested over accusations of corruption were released on police bail last night.

It was revealed today that two of the officers work in A Division, covering the Newport city council area, and three in B Division, which covers Monmouthshire and Torfaen.

Yesterday, the Argus reported that four sergeants, a constable and a local man were arrested following an internal inquiry.

A criminal investigation is now going ahead under the supervision of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

A spokesman for Gwent Police said the six men were released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Gwent Police assistant chief constable William Horne said: "Matters came to our attention that clearly deserved further inquiry."

He added: "The definition of corruption is people in public office acting inappropriately. I cannot be any more specific. .

"If police officers are going to be serving alongside others they need to be sure that when there are concerns raised they will be thoroughly and professionally investigated. The public need to have confidence in the police."

The boss of the IPCC in Wales promised the investigation would get to the truth.

Commissioner Tom Davies said: "Such matters are extremely serious and go to the heart of public confidence in the police. We would wish to ensure the right level of expertise and resources is put into the full inquiry. "We are supervising this inquiry and have every confidence in the way Gwent Police are handling it."

The findings of the investigation will be submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service for their consideration in due course.

Jeff Mapps, chairman of the Gwent Police federation, which represents police officers, said: "We are providing support for the officers involved and their families and trying to assist as best we can.

"A representative will be with the officers during their questioning, and will be making sure that they are afforded all the rights and entitlements they should get.

"It is important to stress these are only allegations at the moment and in due course we will find out more about the nature of the case."