TWO of north Essex's most prominent political figures last night admitted they had become victims of an alleged internet hacker who is now at the centre of a police investigation.

TWO of north Essex's most prominent political figures last night admitted they had become victims of an alleged internet hacker who is now at the centre of a police investigation.

Both Harwich MP Douglas Carswell and his predecessor, Ivan Henderson, confirmed they had fallen prey to cyber-criminal activities.

In the case of former Harwich MP Mr Henderson, the matters are thought to involve his computer being hacked into, and his identity stolen.

Approached by the EADT about the incidents, 47-year-old Mr Henderson said: “I can't comment on the details at this stage because it is currently the subject of a police investigation.”

His parliamentary successor Mr Carswell also confirmed he had reported a computer-related matter to the police.

Essex Police confirmed they had questioned a man in relation to Mr Henderson's complaint although they could not say at this stage whether the two cases were being linked to the same person.

Conservative Mr Carswell, 34, became the Harwich MP last May after working for an investment management firm. In 2001, the son of two doctors stood against Tony Blair for the Sedgefield constituency, cutting the Prime Minister's majority by more than 7,500.

In 2005, he beat Mr Henderson in the race for the Harwich seat in Parliament. Mr Henderson, who served as a member of Harwich Town Council from 1986 until 1997, became the first ever Labour MP for the constituency.

A police spokeswoman said: “I can confirm that Mr Henderson has contacted us about an alleged incident with his computer.”

nA man from Harwich has been arrested by the police in connection with alleged computer-based offences and released on bail until next month.