Thieves steal secret documents 'from car of West Midlands counter terrorism chief'

West Midlands Police has launched an urgent investigation after confidential and highly classified documents were stolen from a car.

The force refused to confirm or deny if the vehicle belonged to its head of counter terrorism, Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale.

A force spokesman said:

Mr Beale joined West Midlands Police in 2011 and holds its security portfolio, with responsibility for the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit and local policing in Birmingham.

The news comes as the country remains on high terror alert after three recent attacks, including in London at the weekend when seven people were killed.