The search was due to start on February 22 but was delayed due to the sheer scale of the task. Stephens, of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, also works part-time as a Special Constable for Suffolk Police.

In 2013, he was awarded the Eileen Jacob special trophy for showing "true dedication" by working 33 hours in three days.

Stephens has been released on bail as police continue to probe his involvement in the huge missing persons inquiry.

Speaking about his arrest, Mr McKeague's mother Nicola Urquhart, 47, said: "What they have been arrested for is suspicion for attempting to pervert the court of justice.

"It might not be anything at all, it may not lead to any information. It's just something to stay a bit grounded about at the moment.

"I'm just now trying not to look too much into it, but it's very hard to do that."

However, Mr McKeague's father Martin McKeague hinted more arrests could follow.

He wrote on his Facebook page: