A computer was stolen from the office of a British Cabinet minister in a break-in in the second serious security breach involving a senior government official in a week.

Britain's BBC television said the computer contained "restricted" government documents, including some on defence and extremism, but no information believed to be top secret.

"There was a break-in at the constituency office of Hazel Blears on the afternoon of Saturday, June 14. Hazel was not there at the time," a government spokesman said.

"The thief broke in through a window, triggering the building's security alarm. A PC (personal computer) was stolen. Nothing else was taken. We understand the building's security staff arrived within minutes."

Like all members of Parliament, British Cabinet ministers maintain offices in the local constituencies that elect them to the House of Commons.

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