Following the arrest of Ashford Tory MP Damian Green over  Home Office papers that made their way into the public domain, Conservative leader David Cameron raised concerns that at least nine counter-terrorism officers were deployed to detain the Ashford MP and search his house and office.

Mr Cameron said: "The police have to answer questions."

Damian Green, 52, expressed fury after he was quizzed for nine hours.

He was later released on bail and told to return for further questioning in February.

In a statement, the Conservative Party said: "Mr Green has legitimately revealed information which the Home Office chose not to make public. Disclosure of this information was manifestly in the public interest. Mr Green denies any wrongdoing."

Commenting on the arrest, Downing Street said: "This is a matter for the police. The Prime Minister had no prior knowledge of the arrest and was only informed after the event."