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The half-brother of senior Tory MP John Whittingdale was arrested today on suspicion of sexual assault by police probing an alleged VIP paedophile ring.

Charles Napier, 65, from Sherborne, Dorset, was arrested at the home he shares with his elderly mother, at around 8.30am in connection with the historical allegation of sexual abuse.

Four officers from the Met entered the house and emerged 40 minutes later with Mr Napier.

Two detectives escorted Mr Napier - wearing a baggy blue sweater and dark trousers - into an unmarked car.

He was taken to a local police station for questioning.

Mr Whittingdale, the chairman of the Media, Culture and Sport committee, said: “I understand from my mother that my half-brother has been arrested but I have no more details about it.”

The arrest was made in connection with the Met’s Operation Fairbank which was set up to investigate claims made by campaigning MP Tom Watson in the House of Commons last year.

Operation Fairbank - set up to investigate historical allegations of child abuse - was set up to investigate the claims.

This arrest is part of a new strand of Operation Fairbank entitled Operation Cayacos, which has now reached the criminal threshold.

Mr Watson said: “I am extremely grateful for the dedicated team officers at the Met who are investigating allegations regarding child abuse.

“I am sure people will appreciate that we should let them continue with their forensic and comprehensive investigations in this area.”

A Scotland Yard spokesman said; "We can confirm officers from Operation Fairbank have this morning, Wednesday 26 June, arrested a

65-year-old man in connection with a historical allegation of sexual assault.

"The man was arrested at an address in Dorset and has been taken into custody locally."