Supergrass sues for £2.6m

A Scotland Yard supergrass who claims he was offered huge payments and promised a new home and identity is suing for £2.6 million after accusing his police handlers of betrayal.

The informant, who used the alias Tony White, said he risked his life to help convict the masterminds of a £33 million bonds theft.

But he claims that after he was handed £40,000 by police, two detectives threatened to reveal his address to criminals if he didn't give them £14,500.

White has now served writs on Scotland Yard, the Home Office and investment bankers JP Morgan, who he claims promised - via two officers - to pay him up to 10 per cent of the value of the bonds for information leading to convictions.

He also wants an £88,000 reward from Home Secretary David Blunkett and £500,000 for the new home and identity he claims he was offered.

The writ says the rewards promised to White were legally binding contracts which were subsequently broken.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "We have received a letter threatening civil proceedings. We are considering our response."