[Lauren]

Police raid three football clubs

Police have raided three football clubs as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in football.

Newcastle United and Rangers FC are believed to been raided but the third club involved has yet to be named.

The operation is not connected to Lord Stevens' ongoing Quest inquiry into the Premiership and was "totally independent", police said.

Search warrants were executed on the club premises and two homes between 0730 and 0900 BST.

A City of London Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that search warrants were served at three football clubs and the homes of two individuals in connection with corruption in football and its impact on owners and shareholders."

A Northumbria Police spokesman said they were aware that "an operation" had been carried out by their London colleagues at St James' Park, the home of Newcastle United.

A spokesperson for Rangers FC said: "Rangers football club was asked to co-operate with a City of London police investigation and have done so, extending every co-operation to police.

"We have been requested by police not to comment further while the investigation is on-going."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6901085.stm