Man arrested over file-share site

Mr Lanning says his website has been running for six years

A Somerset man has been arrested on suspicion of the illegal file-sharing of films over the internet.

Steve Lanning, 50, who runs the Filesoup website, had computers and DVDs seized during a raid by police.

Mr Lanning was arrested on suspicion of breach of the Copyright and Patents Act and bailed pending further inquiries.

He denies doing anything wrong and says the Filesoup site is still live. Police and copyright officials have refused to comment further on the case.

I felt like I was being treated as though I was a terrorist

Steve Lanning

Mr Lanning was arrested in a joint operation by Avon and Somerset Police and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (Fact) on 27 July.

Mr Lanning said his website, believed to be the oldest file-sharing site on the web, has been running for six years.

He denied that Filesoup breaks any copyright laws.

"I basically run a website which is an online community, the same as it would be (if it were) a community hall - it would be local where you have lots of people coming because they enjoy each others' company."

He has also complained about his treatment by police who he says held him for more than seven hours.

"I felt like I was being treated as though I was a terrorist or some kind of drug lord," he said.

Avon and Somerset Police said there were "procedures in place for him to raise his concerns" and said the force would look in to any complaints as part of their investigation.