Sellafield has confirmed its staff are assisting police with a drugs investigation.

A major investigation is underway by Cumbria Constabulary into reported allegations of the supply of drugs and money laundering across the Copeland borough.

So far nine people in West Cumbria have been arrested as part of the police probe.

The Whitehaven News understands that one of the people arrested is a current employee at the Sellafield nuclear site.

A spokesman for Cumbria Constabulary said: “Detectives have arrested nine people in West Cumbria following an investigation into the supply of drugs and money laundering in the Copeland area.

“Enquiries are currently ongoing.

“No arrests or drugs have been found on Sellafield site.”

A Sellafield Ltd spokesman said it is complying fully with the investigation, but reassured local residents that its site is not the main focus of the allegations.

“We can confirm we are assisting Cumbria Constabulary with an ongoing investigation into drug use and distribution,” he said.

“This investigation is not focused on Sellafield.

“For legal reasons, we are unable to comment on individual cases.”

The spokesman added: “We have a strict policy regarding the misuse of drugs and alcohol.

“All of our employees and supply chain partners must comply with this.”

No further details about those arrested - including their ages, genders or jobs - have been released by police and their current status in relation to the investigation is unknown.