Jeffrey Epstein probe rocked after detectives warn UK flight evidence has been ‘destroyed’

The development follows calls from former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown for police to re-examine allegations that Prince Andrew used RAF bases for flights aboard Epstein’s jet, often dubbed the “Lolita Express”.

However, key flight records dating back two decades may no longer exist as the RAF retains passenger manifests for just three months before destruction, while commercial airline manifests are generally held for six to seven years.

Air traffic control movement sheets, meanwhile, are only kept for two years.

Although some passenger manifests and flight logs appear within the freshly released Epstein files, they are incomplete.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last week in connection with allegations of misconduct in public office.

Mr Brown has accused police of failing to properly investigate historic claims, arguing that the Met’s 2015 decision not to launch a full inquiry should now be revisited in light of emails suggesting British girls were on Epstein's flights from UK airports.

Police forces in London, Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, Norfolk and Bedfordshire are said to have received letters urging them to investigate.

A Met detective confirmed officers are reviewing trafficking allegations and seeking flight manifests relating to Epstein’s travel to the UK and the identities of his passengers.

According to flight logs, Epstein’s private jet used RAF Northolt and other military airfields, though most travel passed through airports such as Stansted.

RAF Northolt serves both military and civilian aircraft and is frequently used by members of the Royal Family.

One private jet arrived at the west London base from Paris on March 18, 2013, before departing for Teterboro Airport in New Jersey the following day.

Bedfordshire Police said it “is reviewing materials published as part of the DOJ Disclosures Under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, in relation to private flights in and out of London Luton Airport”.

Former Met officer Graham Wettone said: “My understanding is that there is a VIP suite at Heathrow which has a dedicated police team.

"As a port of entry and exit, there’s a responsibility to document everyone who passes through.”

He added: “These documents would allow the Met to easily see who was on the flight, its departure time and its return time. If they do not have these records, it’s difficult to prove.”

A Ministry of Defence spokesman told The Times: “It is standard practice for spare capacity at RAF airfields in the UK to be used for private or commercial aircraft, subject to regulatory requirements and fees which cover all costs.

“Such use is not automatic and will only be approved when there is no adverse impact to military aircraft and where approval would not interfere with the security or smooth running of the airfield.”

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.