Andrew Epstein-links inquiry: police given ‘advice’

The service has confirmed that it is also advising the Metropolitan Police amid its probe into Lord Peter Mandelson’s links to the paedophile financier.

The former duke of York and Lord Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the US, were arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office over their connections with Epstein.

They have since been released under investigation.

Today, Wednesday, April 1, a CPS spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we are now providing early investigative advice to the Metropolitan Police Service regarding the force’s investigation into a 72-year-old man and will continue to liaise as requested.

“We can now also confirm that we are providing early investigative advice to Thames Valley Police in relation to a 66-year-old man.

“We remain ready to support any investigation if needed.”

This comes after it was confirmed the King’s state visit to the US to see Donald Trump is to go ahead next month as planned.

Charles and the Queen’s long-expected historic trip will take place in late April despite calls for it to be postponed or even cancelled because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

It is understood that Charles and Camilla will not be able to meet with victims while there are ongoing UK police investigations into matters related to Epstein.

US congressman Ro Khanna wrote to the King on Monday to call for him to meet survivors privately during the state visit.

In a statement to BBC Newsnight on Tuesday evening, the family of Virginia Giuffre also “strongly” urged the King to meet with them, as well as survivors of the paedophile financier.

But at a press conference on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer declined to say whether there was a “moral case” for the King to meet the victims when asked by reporters.

The Prime Minister instead insisted the “focus of the visit” will be on the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) also announced on Tuesday, March 31, that the police response to the release of the so-called Epstein files by the US Department of Justice is to be “stepped up”.

A dedicated group will look at the “scale, scope and nature of any potential UK-based VAWG (violence against women and girls) offending within the files”, the NPCC added.

It has also invited alleged victims of Epstein who have spoken to UK media to talk to investigators about potential crimes that may have taken place on British soil.