THE niece of Vice President Joe Biden is being accused of striking a New York City police officer.

Police said on Tuesday they took Caroline Biden into custody after responding to a report of a dispute at her Tribeca apartment.

Police said the 26-year-old scuffled with officers as they tried to break up a fight between her and her roommate. They said she lunged at an officer, struck another officer and resisted being handcuffed. They didn't say what the fight was about.

Biden was arrested on charges of obstructing governmental administration, harassment and resisting arrest. She was given notice to appear in court on October 29, and released.

The vice president's office declined to comment.