Crime minister has purse stolen at police conference

Crime and policing minister Dame Diana Johnson has had her purse stolen - while meeting senior officers to discuss shoplifting and thefts.

It happened as the Labour MP attended the Police Superintendents' Association's annual conference in Kenilworth in the West Midlands.

During a speech at the event, Dame Diana said the UK had been "gripped by an epidemic of anti-social behaviour, theft and shoplifting".

She later discovered her belongings had been stolen, although no "security risk" was identified, officials said.

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Warwickshire Police confirmed officers were investigating a report of theft of a purse at the hotel used for the conference between 11am and 1.15pm on Tuesday.

A spokesperson said a 56-year-old man from Coventry had been arrested on suspicion of burglary and had since been released on bail while enquiries continued.

Sky News has contacted Dame Diana for comment.