Attempt to poison cider uncovered Â

Six people were arrested yesterday in connection with an alleged plot to contaminate drinks made by Britain's leading cider maker.

The five men and one woman were detained after officers investigated an apparent plan to tamper with products at HP Bulmer's base in Hereford. A spokesman for HP Bulmer, which employs nearly 1,000 people at its headquarters, would not say whether those detained were staff or which of its products – which include Strongbow, Woodpecker, Scrumpy Jack and White Lightning – had been the target.

He said none of the products had been affected and there was no threat to public health.

A spokesman for West Mercia Constabulary said it had begun a joint operation with the National Crime Squad and National Criminal Intelligence Service in November last year after officers received information from the company.

"Sophisticated measures were immediately put in place to ensure that no contamination occurred and at no time has the safety of the public been put at risk," the spokesman said. "We believe that a number of individuals were attempting to disrupt production of drinks products for commercial gain."

The suspects were being questioned last night. A telephone line has been set up for anyone with concerns about HP Bulmer products. The number is 0800 444 253.