A Facebook live sting operation conducted by paedophile hunters has led to an arrest of a former MP on suspicion of child sex offences.
The ex-Labour defence minister Ivor Caplin was MP for Hove from 1997 to 2005. He was arrested on Saturday in Brighton. Clips shared on social media showed the 66-year-old, wearing a bright red had and a black top, surrounded by two officers and wearing handcuffs, reports the Mirror.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: “We are aware of footage circulating on social media showing a man in Brighton being detained on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child. Officers can confirm a local 66-year-old man was arrested on Saturday January 11 and currently remains in custody.
“’This is an ongoing and active investigation.”
A file picture of Caplin from 2004 ( Image: Birmingham Post And Mail)
(Image: Birmingham Post And Mail)
Investigations by Sussex Police are ongoing
Self-proclaimed paedophile hunters live streamed a sting operation and the moment of the arrest, which lasted around 30 minutes and has been widely shared on social media. It has already had 36,000 views and around 3,000 comments.
Mr Caplin reportedly denies all allegations against him.
It is believed he was suspended from the Labour Party in 2024 and is said to have denied any wrongdoing.
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During his time in office, Caplin held two Government posts; assistant Government whip and a junior defence minister and minister for Veterans at the Ministry of Defence.
The former Hove MP represented the constituency between 1997 and 2005. In 2001, he became an assistant Government whip and then a junior defence minister and minister for Veterans at the Ministry of Defence.
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