Former drug squad detective Paul Dale was this morning arrested for the murders of police informer Terence Hodson and his wife Christine.

Police from taskforce Petra arrested Dale at his Wangaratta service station around 9.30 am.

Terence and Christine Hodson. Credit:Penny Stephens

He appeared in the Wangaratta Magistrates' Court earlier today before magistrate Lance Martin on one count of murder. Dale says he will vigorously defend the charge against him.

He represented himself in court and proclaimed his innocence, saying police inquiries had gone on for five years and any further delay was an abuse of process.