UK's Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested - reports

(Sharecast News) - Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, UK media reported on Thursday. Plainclothes officers arrived at Wood Farm on the royal Sandringham estate, according to photographs published in several media outlets.

A statement from Thames Valley police said: "We have today (19/2) arrested a man in his 60s 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."

Police have been investigating allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, shared sensitive information with the US billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein when he was a UK trade envoy.

Thames Valley police previously said the force was reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew.

Oliver Wright, the force's assistant chief constable, 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."

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com