A female prison officer has been arrested after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an inmate at a Suffolk prison.

The Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) has been made aware of allegations of an "inappropriate relationship" involving a prison officer and an inmate at HMP Highpoint in Stradishall, near Haverhill and Newmarket.

A woman was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and was later released on bail. 

An ERSOU spokesperson said: "Our Prison Intelligence Unit was on Monday (8 July) made aware of an alleged inappropriate relationship between a prison officer and inmate at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk.

"A woman was subsequently arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and was taken to police custody to be questioned.

"She was later bailed, and enquiries are ongoing."

Meanwhile, a Prison Service spokesperson said: "Staff corruption is not tolerated and this staff member has been suspended.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further while the police investigate."

HMP Highpoint is one of the country's largest category C prisons.