London 2012: Ten charged over Olympic ticket touting

Ten people have been charged in an inquiry into ticket touting at the Olympics, the Metropolitan Police said.

Eight people were charged with ticket touting, one person faces a theft charge and another is accused of handling stolen goods.

In total, 16 people have been arrested. Five were held ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday and another 11 people were held on Saturday.

Arrests were made in Stratford near the Olympic Park and in Wimbledon.

All people who have been charged will appear at various courts in London on Monday.

Two of them will appear at Southwestern Magistrates' Court, four will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court and the remaining four people will appear at Thames Magistrates' Court.

Earlier, another three people were arrested on suspicion of ticketing offences - two were held outside Horseguards Parade and one was detained at The Mile walk in Lea Valley, police said.

Det Supt Nick Downing said: "We have been, and will continue to seek out and take robust action against anybody who tries to cash in on the 2012 Games in this way.

"Ticket touting is illegal and is a clear exploitation of those who genuinely wish to experience the Games first-hand."