Thames Valley Police have released a statement after ex-Duke Andrew was arrested at his home on the Sandringham Estate this morning.
Disgraced Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been arrested on his 66th birthday.
The ex-prince was detained by Thames Valley Police after a team of cop cars drove into the Sandringham Estate, where Andrew now lives, this morning. At least six unmarked cop cars and officers in plain clothes were pictured driving into Wood Farm around 8am this morning. The police force shared a statement following the ex-Duke’s arrest.
Thames Valley Police said: “As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody at this time.
“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”
Several police officers at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate (
Bav Media)
The force’s Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.” Andrew has consistently denied all allegations against him.
Unmarked police cars at Sandringham this morning (
Bav Media)
Eight plain clothes police officers walked into Andrew’s temporary home on the private Sandringham Estate, and some cops carried what is thought to be police issued laptops.
Thames Valley Police previously said the force was reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
Andrew was arrested by Thames Valley Police officers (
Bav Media)
In a previous statement the force said: “We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information in line with our established procedures.”
This comes as the National Crime Agency (NCA) said it would be supporting police forces to “enable a full and independent assessment of the information released” in the Epstein files.