Coronation Street has confirmed a new mystery following Maria Connor’s sudden arrest.

Maria’s rivalry with newcomer Lou Michaelis will come to a head this week when the pair have a fiery showdown at the Platt house.

Lou invites herself to the Platts’ barbeque, despite being told to keep her distance. There, she comes across an envelope full of cash, tucked away in Shona’s bag.

As the family gather outside to raise a toast, Lou is left alone in the house and contemplates stealing the money. However, she is confronted by Maria, who demands she empties her pockets.

After hearing a loud crash, the Platts rush into the living room to find Lou laying next to some smashed-up furniture, with Maria standing over her. Later, Maria is arrested by the police in the Rovers, on suspicion of assault.

In next week’s scenes, Maria is released from the police station, pending further investigations into the incident with Lou.

Furious Maria is sure Lou was the one who reported her, but Lou denies going to the police. So who was really behind the arrest?

Later, Lou tells Maria’s husband Gary that she doesn’t want to cause any trouble. Open to making amends, Gary thanks her and offers her a beer. But are the pair getting too close for Maria’s liking?

“Lou seems totally genuine when she says that she didn’t report Maria to the police,” our Corrie insider says. “The Michaelis family have a troubled history with the police – Lou would usually be the last person to get them involved in any dispute.

“Maria is keen to get to the bottom of the situation quickly – is there someone else who has an axe to grind?”

Coronation Street will air these scenes on Monday 16 June.