EXCLUSIVE: A police force has issued a statement after reports suggested officers were looking into sex trafficking allegations against the former prince.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last month (Image: US DoJ)
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A police force has issued a new statement after reports claimed officers are assessing sex trafficking claims against Andrew Mountbatten-Windor, following his arrest last month. Thames Valley Police said they remain specifically focused on investigating Andrew’s alleged misconduct in public office.

The former Duke of York was arrested on his birthday (February 19) on suspicion of misconduct in public office, at his temporary home, Wood Farm, in Norfolk. He was released under investigation after being held in custody for 11 hours. Andrew’s arrest came after documents within the 3 million files released by the US Department of Justice suggested that he may have shared confidential information during his time as a UK trade envoy with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.

The former duke was arrested last month (Image: Getty)

On Wednesday, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, said that police forces are pressing American authorities to release the unredacted files relating to Andrew, as they are reviewing a “whole range of suggested sexual allegations” to determine whether any “merit a criminal investigation”. The Met chief said police in the UK “need the unredacted evidence” and “original copy” to pursue investigations here.

He added that police are reviewing documents relating to the former prince’s time as a trade envoy, adding that any sexual allegations, such as those made by the late Virginia Giuffre, will also be investigated if there is evidence.

On Thursday, The Sun reported that police are considering investigating the 66-year-old under corruption laws. Sources told the publication that a separate “scoping assessment” is being carried out into sex trafficking claims against the former prince.

A spokesman told the Daily Express: “We are aware of ongoing speculation into other offences Thames Valley Police may be investigating following the arrest on February 19 of a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

“Whilst we maintain an open mind, our investigation currently remains focused on the allegation of misconduct in public office.”

Sources on Thursday claimed that police “have concerns” about whether Andrew’s job made him a public official and whether they can prove that, as, in order to be prosecuted, it would have to be proved he actually committed misconduct while performing his role as a public official.

The Sun reported that detectives are allegedly considering “alternative legislation” which could include using “archaic anti-corruption laws”.

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A total of nine police forces are looking into the US financier’s links to the UK, including those relating to his royal friend.

Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing, and being mentioned in the Epstein files does not indicate wrongdoing.