POLICE investigating the theft of a child benefits book belonging to the mother of tragic Trowbridge schoolgirl Jackie-Danielle Velvick have arrested a former family friend.

Officers arrested 34-year-old Pauline Fortune on suspicion of theft and deception on Wednesday, after a four-month investigation.

Cher Velvick, 28, reported the theft from her Longfield Road home in January after two fraudulent claims were made.

One false claim was made on December 23, the day after four-year-old Jackie-Danielle plunged 20ft from her brother's first-floor bedroom window. A second withdrawal is alleged to have taken place on December 30 the day after the Longfield Primary School pupil died.

Sgt Martin Schorah confirmed an arrest had been made and police were continuing with the probe.

"On Wednesday afternoon a 34-year-old female from Trow-bridge was arrested on suspicion of theft and deception in relation to a stolen child benefits book from Miss Velvick's house in Longfield Road," he said.

"She was interviewed at length in relation to this and other offences.

"She has been released on police bail to return at a later date to Melksham Police Station for further investigations and advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.

"During this time we will be making further inquiries."

Officers have linked-up with the Post Office's fraud department and seized CCTV tapes covering Trowbridge town centre.

Miss Velvick is being kept informed of the investigation's pro-gress.

At the time of going to press Miss Fortune had not been charged with any offence in connection to the alleged theft and deception.