Police assertion in full as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested | EUROtoday

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public workplace and is in police custody.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest on Thursday following allegations made towards the previous prince after the discharge of hundreds of thousands of pages of information associated to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew is the primary senior royal in trendy historical past to be arrested.

The information comes as photos circulated on-line showing to point out unmarked police vehicles attending Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plain-clothed officers showing to assemble exterior Andrew’s residence on his 66th birthday.

Thames Valley Police beforehand mentioned the power was reviewing allegations {that a} girl was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared delicate info with the paedophile whereas serving because the UK’s commerce envoy.

Searches are being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, the power mentioned.

Emails launched by the US Department of Justice appeared to point out the previous duke sharing stories of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore.

One electronic mail, dated November 2010, seemed to be forwarded by Andrew 5 minutes after being despatched by his then-special adviser Amir Patel.

Another, on Christmas Eve 2010, appeared to ship Epstein a confidential temporary on funding alternatives within the reconstruction of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

The full Thames Valley Police assertion:

“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.

“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.’”