Former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks has been arrested by police investigating phone hacking and bribery at the News of the World.
In a statement the Met said: "The MPS [Metropolitan police service] has this afternoon, Sunday 17 July, arrested a female in connection with allegations of corruption and phone hacking.
"At approximately 12.00 a 43-year-old woman was arrested by appointment at a London police station by officers from Operation Weeting [phone hacking investigation] together with officers from Operation Elveden [bribing of police officers investigation]. She is currently in custody.
"She was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to intercept communications, contrary to Section1(1) Criminal Law Act 1977 and on suspicion of corruption allegations contrary to Section 1 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906.
"The Operation Weeting team is conducting the new investigation into phone hacking.
"Operation Elveden is the investigation into allegations of inappropriate payments to police. This investigation is being supervised by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
"It would be inappropriate to discuss any further details regarding these cases at this time."
Inevitably Twitter erupted at the news, with the finest tweet coming from @LudditeWebDev: "Here's a picture of Rebekah Brooks in custody. http://t.co/7e0X6Iv"
Former Deputy prime Minister @JohnPrescott said: Tony Blair's aide Ruth Turner was arrested in a dawn raid. Coulson & Brooks were arrested 'by appointment.' It's not the dentists!.
Meanwhile the trailer for Hackgate: The Movie is out...
Main image: Rex