Police probe Hammers' claim
The Metropolitan Police have begun an investigation into allegations made by West Ham and the Olympic Park Legacy Company regarding the unlawful obtaining of personal information.
West Ham, who were chosen by the OPLC to move into the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games ahead of Tottenham, allege the police investigation relates to unlawful activity by a private investigator.
West Ham say the police are now looking into the conduct of a private investigator who they allege unlawfully acquired bank and telephone records belonging to senior executives at the club and the OPLC.
A statement from the Metropolitan Police read: "We can confirm that West Ham United Football Club and the Olympic Park Legacy Company have made allegations to the MPS in respect of the unlawful obtaining of personal information.
"These allegations have been assessed and an investigation has now commenced by officers from the Economic and Specialist Crime Command."
A statement from West Ham read: "We confirm the Metropolitan Police's Economic and Specialist Crimes Unit is dealing with the serious matter of a private investigator acting unlawfully.
"This is in relation to reported breaches of the Data Protection Act and Computer Misuse Act as a result of the unlawful acquisition of bank and telephone records belonging to senior executives at the club and the OPLC.
"We are advised that if found guilty of these crimes, those responsible can expect to receive custodial sentences. We have full faith in the police investigation into this matter and shall continue to provide the fullest of assistance to them."
The news came on the day Judge Mr Justice Collins ruled the High Court should review decisions made by both the OPLC and Newham Council in the awarding of the stadium to West Ham after deciding Tottenham had an "arguable" case.
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League One side Leyton Orient were also given permission to challenge the decision. Bosses say the stadium is less than two miles from Orient's ground and any move to the arena by West Ham could "destroy" the club's fan base and threaten its "very existence''.
