Essex: Ex-Brooks Aide Bailed In Hack Probe

A former personal assistant for Rebekah Brooks has been arrested at her home in Essex by detectives investigating phone hacking at the News of the World.

Cheryl Carter, 47, was named by several sources as the latest suspect to be questioned by Scotland Yard's Operation Weeting squad.

Ms Carter left News International in July after 19 years working for Ms Brooks, the company's former chief executive. She also worked for the Sun as a beauty editor.

She is being questioned at a police station in Essex on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Detectives are understood to be investigating allegations that emails were destroyed at the company before evidence was handed over to the Metropolitan Police.

Ms Carter, who has also offered beauty tips on website Thinkingslimmer.com, was arrested at her Billericay home at dawn.

Ms Brooks, her former boss, was arrested and bailed in July by the same team of detectives.

Scotland Yard said the latest suspect is the 17th arrest under its probe into mobile phone interceptions.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "The woman was arrested at approximately 6.55am ... she is currently in custody at an Essex police station.''

Scotland Yard said the woman has been released on bail until later this month.