Identities of arrested suspects should be kept secret from press, says Leveson

The reputation of the Bristol landlord Christopher Jefferies was traduced by newspapers after his erroneous arrest in the Joanna Yeates murder (Getty Images)

Police officers should keep secret the identity of suspects arrested during investigations, Lord Leveson recommended.

At present police usually give the age and gender of suspects, though sometimes their names also leak into the press.

The reputation of the Bristol landlord Christopher Jefferies was traduced by newspapers after his erroneous arrest in the Joanna Yeates murder.

Lord Leveson wrote: “I think that it should be made clear that save in exceptional and clearly identified circumstances (for example, where there may be an immediate risk to the public), the names or identifying details of those who are arrested or suspected of a crime should not be released to the press or the public.”