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Home Office Laptop 'Bought On Ebay'
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Sky sources understand that counter terrorism police are investigating the discovery of a Home Office laptop and encrypted data disc - apparently bought on eBay.
http://static.sky.com/images/pictures/1568453.jpg Laptop found in Manchester area
The laptop came to the attention of a computer shop in Manchester after it was handed in for repair.
Sky's Home Affairs correspondent Mark White said: "The Home Office has confirmed to me that it is investigating the recovery of a confidential data disc.
"On Tuesday afternoon a man took a laptop into a computer shop in the Manchester area to try to get it repaired and they found an encrypted disc."
Computer shop owner Lee Bevan told Sky News: "This seemed just another IT repair. The customer said he had bought it on eBay and seemed quite innocent.
"It is just an ordinary laptop.
"It was only when we opened up the keyboard that we found the disc - it had the words Home Office and Confidential written all over it.
"We put it in the safe and contacted the police in London.
"They have been here most of the day examining the items and speaking to staff."
In a statement, the Home Office said: "We can confirm that encrypted IT equipment has been handed in to Greater Manchester Police.
"Both the laptop and disc were encrypted, thus safeguarding the information stored on them.
"An investigation is now under way and it would be inappropriate to comment any further."
news.sky.com