Mandelson homes searched by the police

Former US ambassador set to be quizzed by the police

- BY STEPH SPYRO and CHRISTIAN CALGIE

OFFICERS yesterday raided Peter Mandelson's two homes as part of a criminal investigation into the disgraced Labour grandee.

Mandelson, 72, is under scrutiny after he allegedly leaked government information as Business Secretary to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police searched the former US ambassador's residences in Wiltshire and Camden, North London, as part of a probe into misconduct in public office offences.

Two officers arrived at the ex-minister’s home near Regent’s Park before leaving momentarily to collect a blue box and a large bag from a car and returning to the property.

Deputy assistant commissioner Hayley Sewart said: “Officers from the Met’s central specialist crime team are in the process of carrying out search warrants at two addresses, one in the Wiltshire area and another in the Camden area.

“The searches are related to an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office offences, involving a 72-year-old man. He has not been arrested and inquiries are ongoing.”

It is understood Mandelson, who stepped down from the House of Lords this week but retains his title, has been living at a rented farm in Wiltshire in recent years with his husband Reinaldo Avila da Silva.

Officers are expected to question the former government spin doctor within days.