Metropolitan Police Issue Formal Appeal to Prince Andrew's Former Protection Officers
The Metropolitan Police have launched a significant appeal, directly targeting former bodyguards who served Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. This urgent request is for any information they might possess concerning the extensive Jeffrey Epstein files, which have recently been made public by authorities in the United States.
Assessment of Newly Released Epstein Court Documents
This police action follows the substantial release of millions of court documents by the United States Department of Justice, detailing aspects of the Epstein case. The Met has confirmed it is currently evaluating this voluminous material while actively pursuing additional details from international law enforcement partners, including agencies within the United States.
A formal statement from the force elaborated: "Following the further release of millions of court documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein by the United States Department of Justice, we are aware of the suggestion that London airports may have been used to facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation."
"We are assessing this information and are actively seeking further detail from law enforcement partners, including those in the United States," the statement continued.
Direct Contact with Former and Serving Protection Officers
In a separate but related development, the Metropolitan Police disclosed that they are identifying and contacting both former and currently serving officers who may have worked closely with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in a protective capacity. These individuals have been formally asked to carefully reflect on their period of service.
They are being urged to consider whether anything they witnessed or heard during that time could be pertinent to the ongoing police reviews. The appeal explicitly requests they share any information that might assist the investigative process.
Clarification on Current Allegations and Ongoing Reviews
The police statement provided a crucial clarification regarding the current status of allegations. Despite widespread media coverage and public commentary, the Met confirmed that, as of today, no new criminal allegations regarding sexual offences alleged to have occurred within their jurisdiction have been formally reported to them.
Nevertheless, the force continues to strongly encourage anyone with new or relevant information to come forward. They have assured the public that all allegations will be treated with the utmost seriousness. As with any matter, any information received will undergo a thorough assessment and will be investigated where it is deemed appropriate.
Coordination with National Law Enforcement Groups
The Metropolitan Police emphasised that the actions outlined are being conducted independently of any investigations or assessment work currently being undertaken by other police forces. However, they confirmed they are collaborating with a specially established national coordination group.
This group has been created to bring together all affected police forces to ensure a consistent and unified approach to the matter. This coordination includes facilitating access to appropriate specialist expertise and procedural guidance across the involved jurisdictions.
