'Watchdog' host investigated by police

Watchdog host Julia Bradbury has gone on leave as police investigate "suspicious activity" surrounding her air miles account.

The BBC presenter has asked to take time off while authorities look into a suspected scam involving her Virgin Atlantic loyalty point account.

A national newspaper recently claimed that air miles had been added to her account on a number of occasions, rather than being deducted. The value of the flights is said to be £20,000.

The airline has closed a number of its frequent flyer accounts and informed the police of the issue.

Bradbury said in a statement that she is an innocent victim and has agreed to cooperate with the police.

"I am very concerned about these allegations. Although I have not been contacted by the police I understand that my Virgin Atlantic account details have been passed over to the authorities as part of an internal fraud investigation at the airline regarding frequent flyer miles," she said.

"I understand that my name appears on a list that includes several Virgin passengers with discrepancies in their frequent flyer statements.

"I have done nothing wrong and will of course willingly cooperate with any enquiries.

"I have asked the BBC to take time off from my presenting duties on Watchdog until the matter has been resolved."

The BBC confirmed that the presenter would be taking leave but insisted that she has not been suspended.