Mandelson's bail conditions lifted after misconduct in public office arrest

Lord Peter Mandelson has had his bail conditions dropped following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, but remains under investigation.

The former UK ambassador to the US had been released on bail last month but the Metropolitan Police said on Friday he had now been released under investigation.

Lord Mandelson was arrested on 23 February over allegations that while serving as a minister he passed on market-sensitive government information to the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The BBC understands Lord Mandelson's position is that he has not acted in any way criminally and was not motivated by financial gain.

In a statement a Met spokesperson said: "A 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released under investigation.

"The investigation remains ongoing."