POLICE investigating a missing embryos scandal at a Hampshire fertility clinic have arrested an embryologist, it was reported today.

Hampshire Police today said a man had been arrested on suspicion of deception and theft in connection with the inquiry but refused to confirm his identity.

The arrest follows an investigation last month at the Hampshire Clinic and North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke.

It centres on claims that frozen embryos of women undergoing fertility treatment were lost.

Up to 40 patients at the clinic and hospital are understood to be involved.

In a statement, police said: "Hampshire Police can confirm that a Whitchurch man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of deception and theft in connection with the inquiry into procedures and alleged deceptions."

The medic, who was released on police bail after his arrest, was named as embryologist Paul Fielding, 33, of Whitchurch, in a national newspaper.

Detectives were called in last month after a complaint from a woman from Petworth, West Sussex, and a force spokesman said the Hampshire Clinic had also called for a police inquiry.

Internal inquiries have been launched at the clinic and hospital involved and Health Secretary Alan Milburn has ordered Chief Medical Officer Professor Liam Donaldson to prepare an urgent report on the missing embryos.