A British Embassy employee was arrested in Germany's capital Berlin on the suspicion of spying for Russia.

57-Year Old whose name has been disclosed as David S. was arrested on Tuesday following a joint investigation by the UK and the German Authorities.

The German Federal Prosecutor’s Office issued a statement saying he is suspected of selling documents obtained during his work at the embassy to a representative of a Russian intelligence service.

"The man was arrested in the Berlin area on suspicion of committing offenses relating to being engaged in ‘intelligence agent activity’ (under German law)." the BErlin Metropolitan police said.

“Primacy for the investigation remains with German authorities. Officers from the Counter-Terrorism Command continue to liaise with German counterparts as the investigation continues.”

The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is responsible for investigating alleged breaches of the Official Secrets Act.

According to the prosecutors’ statement, the suspect – who worked as a local employee at the embassy – was arrested in the German town of Potsdam.

Police subsequently carried out searches at his home and at his workplace.

He is said to be suspected of having worked for a foreign secret service since at least November last year.

“On at least one occasion he forwarded documents obtained in the course of his professional activities to a representative of a Russian intelligence service,” the statement said.

“In return for providing information, the accused received cash in a previously unknown amount.”

In a statement, a UK Government spokesman said: “An individual who was contracted to work for the Government was arrested yesterday by the German authorities. It would not be appropriate to comment further as there is an ongoing police investigation.”