On Monday, Peter Mandelson was arrested in a manner described as “very unusual” due to the unconventional process that unfolded following high-profile searches of his properties linked to Jeffrey Epstein two weeks prior.

The London Metropolitan Police disclosed that the 72-year-old was apprehended at his residence in Camden under suspicion of misconduct in public office. Mandelson was not released until late into the night, with photographers capturing his return to his north London address around 2 am on Tuesday.

Observers noted significant deviations from the standard procedure leading up to Mandelson’s arrest, starting with the searches conducted at his London home and a rental in Wiltshire. In contrast to the immediate detention of Prince Andrew for similar suspicions, Mandelson was not held during the search of his properties.

The arrest, occurring 16 days later, was deemed “unusual” by a policing expert due to the timing in the evening rather than early hours. Mandelson was escorted from his home at approximately 4:30 pm and transported to a station by plain-clothed officers in an unmarked squad car.

Former Met Detective Chief Inspector David McKelvey highlighted the atypical nature of Mandelson’s late-night transfer, emphasizing the reduced time available for police to conduct an interview due to the late hour. In comparison, Prince Andrew was taken from his temporary accommodation at Sandringham at 8 am, following a more customary arrest process.

McKelvey also pointed out the rapid fulfillment of the “necessity test” by officers in Mandelson’s case, indicating an unusual urgency that prompted action. Scotland Yard confirmed the arrest of the 72-year-old on suspicion of misconduct in public office, stating that he had been taken to a London police station for questioning following searches at two addresses in Wiltshire and Camden.

The police have not provided details on the grounds for Mandelson’s arrest, and there is no implication of any wrongdoing by Mandelson in the ongoing investigation.