Police in County Durham have arrested two men in what officers have described as a "gay blackmail" investigation.

The arrests came after a Darlington man claimed he was conned out of £200 by men claiming to be police officers.


The 49-year-old had arranged to meet a man in the town through a known gay social networking website.

But when the victim arrived he was approached by men posing as police officers who demanded a "fine" and took his bank card.

It later emerged £200 in cash was taken from the man's bank account, which was used to buy a mountain bike, alcohol and cigarettes.

Detectives have now appealed for other potential victims of the scam to come forward, even though they admit many may be reluctant to do so.

The two arrested men, aged 26 and 28 and from the Darlington and Newton Aycliffe areas, were bailed after being questioned on suspicion of blackmail and conspiracy.


Courtesy of the BBC