Andrew ‘threatened by balaclava-clad man carrying weapon’ near home,
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been left shaken after a man wearing a balaclava and allegedly carrying a weapon confronted him near his new Sandringham home.
Norfolk Police arrested the suspect on suspicion of a public order offence in the village of Wolferton last night and he remained in custody in King’s Lynn today.
The man was said to have been waiting in a car and started running at the 66-year-old former Duke of York, who had been walking his dogs at about 7.30pm.
The man was apparently agitated and shouted at him from 50 yards away. Andrew, who was with a bodyguard, ran back towards his own car and drove off at speed.
The suspect still tried to chase on foot – but police were called and arrived shortly afterwards, arresting the man and searching his car.
The incident was apparently on public land close to Marsh Farm, where Andrew has been moved to by King Charles III after he left Royal Lodge in Windsor in February.
Andrew – who lost his final royal titles last autumn – was said to have been ‘shaken’ by the incident and was asked for a statement, as was his personal protection officer.
Norfolk Police said: ‘Officers were called to Wolferton shortly after 7.30pm yesterday following a report a man was behaving in an intimidating manner in the village.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, pictured in the back of a car leaving Aylsham police station in Norfolk after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office on February 19
‘Officers attended, and the man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and possession of an offensive weapon. He was taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning and remains in custody.’
The Daily Mail has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
The incident comes five weeks after a man and girl sparked security concerns outside Andrew’s new home.
The former prince was inspecting Marsh Farm when a red car pulled up outside on April 2.
Two people got out and scaled the exterior gate before attempting to peer over a newly erected 6ft fence in front of the farmhouse.
Pictures showed a man and a girl stood on top of the gate while trying to catch a glimpse inside the property, which was undergoing renovation works ahead of Andrew’s move.
Andrew’s security team were quick to react and the pair jumped back in their car and drove off.
A man and a girl attempt to scale the fence of Andrew’s new home at Marsh Farm on April 2
He is currently living at nearby Wood Farm, whilst his new house is being renovated, but has made several trips to Marsh Farm to check on the progress.
Builders have been working to get the property ready for Andrew, fitting luxury carpets, a Sky dish and a fast broadband connection.
Andrew was arrested on February 19 – his 66th birthday – on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
Andrew has denied any wrongdoing over his links to the convicted sex offender, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.
He spent around 11 hours in custody as searches were conducted at his home on the Sandringham Estate and at Royal Lodge, and was released pending investigation.
Andrew served as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment from 2001 until 2011, when he stepped down amid controversy over his friendship with Epstein.
