THE Met has confirmed it could dramatically reopen its investigation into Prince Andrew’s paedophile pal Jeffrey Epstein.

Scotland Yard controversially dropped the probe into sex-trafficking claims against the US billionaire in 2016.

9 Prince Andrew was spotted in his Bentley at Windsor today after Scotland Yard confirmed it could dramatically re-open its probe into his paedophile pal Credit: London News Pictures

9 Andrew offered to help the FBI with their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein last November, but it has since been revealed that the Duke of York provided 'zero co-operation' Credit: Jae Donnelly

9 The Sun has now put up Missing Person posters to try and track down FBI-dodging Andrew

It said last month the decision was down to the alleged offences mainly taking place overseas.

But the force now says its “pre-investigation” — a scoping exercise before a formal probe — “could be re-opened in light of the current revelations and further victims coming forward”.



'ZERO CO-OPERATION'

In a possible nod to the Duke of York, the Met added: “There has been a renewed focus on Mr Epstein’s friends and associates which could potentially instigate further criminal and/or civil investigations against these individuals.”

The disclosure comes 24 hours after a US law chief shamed Prince Andrew by revealing the FBI tried to quiz him but got “zero co-operation”.

US attorney Geoffrey Berman added: “I can assure you that the investigation is moving forward.”

The FBI now have details from a witness who says she saw Andrew dancing with Virginia Roberts Giuffre at Tramp nightclub, London, in March 2001.

Virginia claims she was trafficked by Epstein and that the Duke slept with her that night.

Lisa Bloom, lawyer for the unnamed witness, said: “I have spoken to the FBI about what she would say.”

9 The FBI now have details from a witness who says she saw Andrew dancing with Virginia Roberts Giuffre at Tramp nightclub Credit: Rex Features

9 The Met says it could reopen Epstein's case in light 'the current revelations and further victims coming forward'

Details of the Met’s U-turn emerged in documents released in a Freedom of Information battle.

We asked for copies of the force’s decision- making in not launching a probe.

The Met refused but in its written response it said a key reason was the possibility the investigation into Epstein and his alleged associates could now be reopened.

It added disclosure could also cause “distress” to victims. But Virginia has previously backed calls for an inquiry.

Epstein, 66, died in jail last August awaiting trial for child sex trafficking.

Met specialist crime chief Alex Murray defended the decision to drop the probe last month.

He said the force had received an “allegation of non-recent ­trafficking for sexual exploitation” against Epstein and a Brit woman.

It included “an allegation of trafficking to central London in March 2001”.

After CPS advice it was decided the Met “was not the appropriate authority to conduct enquiries”.

Mr Murray added: “Any investigation would be largely focused outside the UK.”

The Sun previously revealed The Independent Office for Police Conduct watchdog is “making inquiries” over the decision.

Andrew denies any wrongdoing.

Poster hunt then Duke is spotted

THE Sun yesterday put up Missing Person posters to try to find FBI-dodging Prince Andrew.

We placed them at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, St James’s Palace, Westminster, his old haunt Tramp nightclub — and even the PizzaExpress in Woking he claimed to have eaten at.

9 The Sun's Chloe Kerr took to the streets to ask the public if they'd seen the Duke of York Credit: David New - The Sun

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He was eventually spotted in the afternoon driving through Windsor town centre in his Bentley with its flashy personalised “DOY” (Duke of York) plate.

The public backed our mission to keep tabs on him with the poster, also on our front page yesterday.

Helen Franklin, 25, said: “I love the poster. I’m glad to see The Sun holding the Duke of York to account.” Daniel Miller, 63, added: “He’s bringing the monarchy into disrepute.”

9 We put up the posters at the Pizza Express in Woking, where he claims to have eaten at Credit: Dan Charity - The Sun

9 The wanted posters could also been seen at Windsor Castle Credit: Dan Charity - The Sun

9 We even plastered them around Windsor town centre - where he was eventually spotted driving around today Credit: Dan Charity - The Sun

Prince Andrew fails to co-operate with FBI in connection with its investigation into the activities and death of Jeffrey Epstein

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