Murdoch’s former British CEO Brooks arrested

London police arrested Rebekah Brooks,Rupert Murdoch’s former British CEO,in the phone hacking and police bribery scandal on Sunday,bringing the UK probe into Murdoch’s inner circle for the first time.

Brooks,43,the former editor of Murdoch’s News of the World,was arrested at a London police station at noon. A statement released on her behalf said she “voluntarily attended a London police station to assist with their ongoing investigation”.

The arrest comes just days before Brooks,Murdoch and his son James are due to face a UK parliamentary committee investigating the hacking. The arrest throws Brooks’ appearance before the committee into question; she would not have to answer questions that could prejudice a criminal investigation.

Her spokesman,David Wilson,said Sunday’s appointment with the police was pre-arranged,but said she was not aware she was going to be arrested.