The force said it was assessing the material and actively seeking further details from law enforcement partners, including authorities in the United States
The Met Police are asking ex-bodyguards of the former Prince Andrew to come forward with any information relating to the Epstein files.
The appeal follows the release of millions of court documents by the United States Department of Justice relating to the paedophile financier. The force said it was assessing the material and actively seeking further details from law enforcement partners, including authorities in America.
Seven UK police forces are now investigating the Epstein files following allegations that victims were flown into Stansted Airport on Lolita Express. It is believed that as many as 90 flights landed at the airport’s private terminal, with 15 happening after the US financier was jailed in 2008 over child sex offences.
The force said today: “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.
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“We are assessing this information and are actively seeking further detail from law enforcement partners, including those in the United States. Separately, the Met is identifying and contacting former and serving officers who may have worked closely, in a protection capacity, with Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor.
“They have been asked to consider carefully whether anything they saw or heard during that period of service may be relevant to our ongoing reviews and to share any information that could assist us.
“While we are aware of the extensive media reporting and commentary about this matter, as of today, no new criminal allegations have been made to the Met regarding sexual offences said to have occurred within our jurisdiction.
“We continue to urge anyone with new or relevant information to come forward. All allegations will be taken seriously and, as with any matter, any information received will be assessed and investigated where appropriate.
“The action outlined above is independent of investigations or assessment work being carried out by other forces. We are working with the national coordination group which has been set up to bring together affected forces to ensure consistency of approach, including access to appropriate expertise and guidance.”
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown said messages contained in the Epstein files linked Andrew, 65, to at least one victim who was flown into the airport on the “Lolita Express” before being sneaked into Buckingham Palace, according to The Sun.
The investigation comes after at least six other forces are assessing evidence within the Epstein files. Forces include the Metropolitan Police, Essex, Thames Valley, Surrey, Norfolk and Bedfordshire.
The Met previously interviewed Virginia Giuffre in 2015 after claims she was trafficked by Epstein, at age 17, to have sex with Andrew at Maxwell’s London flat in 2001 but chose not to proceed.
The NPCC said: “We continue to work collaboratively to assess the details being made public to allow us to understand any potential impact arising from the millions of documents that have been published. We continue to support our partners and contribute in any way we can to help secure justice for victims and survivors.”
