Mortimer Gamp, Head of the Department of Mysteries has been arrested for the kidnap and torture of fourteen minors. Aurors and hitwizards raided Gamp House in Godric’s Hollow before dawn yesterday, apprehending the unspeakable.

On Saturday 12th February, fourteen Hogwarts students were kidnapped by portkey from Hogsmeade High Street during a Hogsmeade weekend visit. Aurors were scrambled to the scene, but it was not until Monday, 14th February that the students were able to escape the location they were held at. Early speculation was that they were held in the Department of Mysteries, and with Mortimer Gamp’s arrest, this appears confirmed.

Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Solomon Carstairs, stated late last night: "We are of course devastated to confirm that these crimes have been committed by a wizard who has previously been held in high intellectual regard,” citing that there was considerable evidence to tie Gamp to the kidnap, and deaths of three of those taken - Henry Beatty, Siana Prewett and Faiz Syed. A fourth student, Moses Pinn is still missing, presumed dead.

"No person, regardless of their position in the Ministry of Magic, is beyond the reach of justice.” Carstairs confirmed, though when pressed on whether Auror Andromeda Gamp’s involvement in leading the initial investigation had hampered progress, Carstairs stated: "Auror Gamp’s involvement in the investigation had nothing whatsoever to do with the rate at which the victims were discovered, or with her father’s eventual arrest.” The Gamp family refused to comment when reached by The Prophet.

"A full investigation is ongoing, the actions of Gamp do not mirror the beliefs of the department - he acted as a lone wolf, confiding in no-one,” Jacqueline Lumpkin, Deputy Head of the Department of Mysteries, stated, "We will, of course, be working closely with other departments in this matter, and will keep the public informed as more information surfaces."

Although Minister Zephyr ordered a detailed financial examination of all departments, critics suggest it was not the books that should have fallen under such scrutiny. Ministerial Undersecretaries have been quick to establish that the immediate release of information surrounding the detention of Gamp is the express wish of the Minister, and a formal statement is to follow.

Headmistress Minerva McGonagall appeared relieved to hear of yesterday’s actions: "Hogwarts School would like to commend the witches and wizards who played a role in making our community safe again. The swift action of all involved shows that no matter what form evil takes, we will not be broken."

Lyra Gamp, his wife and a known metamorphmagus, is still at large. Anyone with information on her whereabouts should contact the Auror Office immediately.