The British offices of the Murdoch entertainment empire 21st Century Fox have been raided by investigators from the European Commission, The Daily Telegraph can reveal.

It is understood that competition watchdogs gained access to the company’s offices in Hammersmith, west London, early on Tuesday to seize documents and computer records.

The full details of the confidential investigation, which is believed to be in its early stages, have yet to be revealed. The building is home to Fox Networks, the company’s channels business.

The European Commission confirmed it is investigating media companies across the EU over a suspected cartel in sports rights distribution and broadcasting.

Investigators are able to take copies of documents and computer records, and ask for explanations from executives.

Sources at the 10 Hammersmith Grove development, which is shared with the tobacco company Philip Morris among others, said Commission officials were attempting to keep a low profile and that staff had been warned to keep details of the raid secret. It is understood that investigators are expected to remain on site through Wednesday and possibly into Thursday.