Cousin of Aston Villa striker Darren Bent arrested

A METROPOLITAN Police officer who is believed to be the cousin of Aston Villa striker footballer Darren Bent has been arrested on suspicion of theft from crime victims who have died.

PC Richard Bent, 28, was held as detectives investigated a series of high value thefts, including money and jewellery worth thousands of pounds.

Police are also said to be investigating the theft of goods from the officer’s central London police station in Westminster.

Fellow officers are reported to have discovered the expensive items during a raid on his £350,000 flat.

PC Bent was said to have told police the valuables were a gift from Villa star Darren.

Striker Darren, 28, was said to be furious at the claim and pledged to co-operate fully with a Scotland Yard anti-corruption probe.

Reports said that last week he spoke to officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Directorate of Professional standards and is expected to make a full statement.

There is no suggestion that Darren has done anything wrong.

PC Bent has been suspended by the force while an investigation takes place.

The £35,000-a-year policeman, who lives in Wandsworth, South West London, is understood to be the son of Darren’s aunt Sandra.

Darren, who started his career with Ipswich Town, has made 13 England appearances where he has scored four times.

The Westminster-based officer was suspended from duty on July 14, the force said.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Officers from the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards arrested a male police officer on 13 July on suspicion of theft from the MPS.

“He was subsequently arrested in connection with a further count of theft.

“He was taken into custody at a south London police station and subsequently bailed to return on a date in mid-October, pending further investigation.”