The new police minister's bag was stolen at a police conference in Kenilworth this week, it has been confirmed.

Warwickshire Police has arrested a 56-year-old man from Coventry following the incident, and enquiries are ongoing.

The Home Office has confirmed Dame Diana Johnson's belongings were stolen from the Chesford Grange hotel on Tuesday (September 10) as she addressed the Police Superintendents' Association conference.

No security risks were identified following the incident.

Dame Diana reportedly blamed the previous Conservative governments for an "epidemic of antisocial behaviour, theft and shoplifting" during her talk.

Following the incident a Warwickshire Police statement said: "We're investigating a report of the theft of a purse at a hotel on the B4115 in Kenilworth.

"The theft occurred some time between 11am and 1.15pm on Tuesday.

"Enquiries are ongoing.

"A 56-year-old man from Coventry has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue."

The Police Superintendents' Association conference ran at the Chesford Grange from September 9 to 11, with a range of speakers including the Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime coming to South Warwickshire.

Appearing via video link Secretary of State Yvette Cooper said the new Labour government wants to increase neighbourhood policing which she says is "the building block" of policing.

(Header image via Parliament.UK)