Prince Andrew, Duke of York has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, police confirmed.

Officers said the Duke of York, younger brother of King Charles III, is currently in custody. Searches are being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk as part of the investigation.

The development follows an earlier statement from Thames Valley Police that it was assessing a complaint concerning the alleged sharing of confidential material by the former prince with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Images captured earlier in the day showed vehicles arriving at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

In a statement, police said the arrest relates to an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. Further details have not yet been released.

Prince Andrew, who turned 66 today, has consistently and strongly denied any wrongdoing. (BBC)