A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of blackmail and remains in custody for questioning, police have confirmed.
TV favourite Alison Hammond reportedly went to the police alleging she is being blackmailed by a man who has threatened to “ruin” her career if she doesn’t hand over thousands of pounds.
READ MORE:Police investigating Alison Hammond blackmail as she claims she’s handed over thousands
Alison, 48, allegedly handed over lump sumps of cash and bought him a £5,000 BMW following demands.
West Midlands Police confirmed to Daily Star: “A 36-year-old man has been arrested from an address in Warwickshire this evening on suspicion of blackmail against a woman in her 40s. He remains in custody for questioning.”
(Image: Getty Images)
The Sun had reported that Alison showed detectives messages earlier this week and officers were looking for the man, who is said to have been a “former friend” of Alison’s.
She reportedly told police that the blackmail has been going on for eight months and alleged she was told the blackmailer would “ruin” her if she failed to send over more money.
(Image: REX)
Alison was reportedly left “genuinely scared” of what the man would do after she reported him, allegedly telling a friend: “It’s terrifying. I trusted this man and our friendship.”
The publication claimed that Alison told a pal she feels “so stupid” and said: “It is as though a veil has been lifted from my eyes”.
West Midlands Police previously confirmed to Daily Star: “We are investigating an allegation of blackmail of a woman in her 40s. We take reports of this kind very seriously and our enquiries are progressing swiftly.”
(Image: Kieron McCarron/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Alison has since had support flood in from her friends, with one ITV co-star, commentator Matthew Wright, sharing a sweet note on Twitter.
He wrote: “Sending @AlisonHammond a hug xx.”
The news of the blackmail was made public earlier this week and it was confirmed on March 25 that there is an investigation taking place.
A man is currently in custody as the investigation continues.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
