An investigation has been launched after a Hemel Hempstead man bought a camera containing possible MI6 spy secrets on eBay.
But the Foreign Office has refused to confirm whether files stored on the digital camera purchased for £17 by a 28-year-old delivery driver were real or hoax.
The unsuspecting internet shopper, who is believed to have been ordered not to speak to
the press, bought the Nikon Cool Pix on the auction website eBay.
He only found the 'spy files', including photos of suspected terrorists, fingerprints and rocket launchers, when he tried to download snaps after a holiday.
He then took the camera to Hemel Hempstead Police Station, and was shocked when Special Branch officers arrived at his home to ask questions days later.
According to some media reports the man's camera and a computer were confiscated and replaced by police.
A Herts Police spokesman said: "We can confirm we seized a camera after a member of the public reported it.
"Intelligence officers are investigating."
A spokesman for the Foreign Office, which represents MI6, said: "We can confirm a police investigation is under way."
She added that the FO could not comment further on security matters, and could not confirm whether any of the files found on the digital camera were real or hoax.
