Prince Andrew warned he is 'not above the law' by Virginia Roberts' lawyer after he is accused of showing 'zero cooperation' with Epstein probe

Virginia Guiffre's lawyer has warned Prince Andrew is "not above the law" after a US prosecutor said he has shown "zero cooperation" with the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking probe.

Sigrid McCawley said the Duke of York's "continued refusal to cooperate with the authorities after freely acknowledging that he would be prepared to answer enquiries raises even more questions about the role he played in the international sex trafficking ring Jeffrey Epstein and others operated."

She added: "Prince Andrew should take most seriously the deeply held belief in this country that no one is above the law."

Ms Guiffre, previously known as Roberts, claims she had sex with Prince Andrew three times on Epstein's request.

It comes as another lawyer representing five of Epstein's victims this morning urged the Andrew to "do the right thing" and speak to the FBI.

Lisa Bloom told BBC News: "Push has come to shove. There are dozens of women who allege they were the victims of sexual assault by this predator Jeffrey Epstein.

“It is time for anyone with information to come forward and answer questions. Prince Andrew himself is accused of sexual misconduct and he also spent a great deal of time with Jeffrey Epstein.

“So, it’s time to stop playing games and to come forward to do the right thing and answer questions.”

Meanwhile Gloria Allred, who also represents five of Epstein’s accusers, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “If he has done nothing wrong, which appears to be what he has claimed, then why won’t he talk to law enforcement?

“No response is the same as zero co-operation. This is ridiculous. It’s just not acceptable.”

The comments have renewed calls for Andrew to assist authorities with their sex trafficking inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein.

It comes after another of Ms Guiffre's lawyers, US Attorney Geoffrey Berman, revealed on Monday that the royal had so far provided "zero cooperation" to investigators.

Speaking at a news conference outside Epstein’s New York mansion, Mr Berman was asked by reporters if the FBI had “reached out” to Prince Andrew as part of its wider investigation into Epstein’s sex trafficking case.

Mr Berman said the Duke of York had been contacted but added: “To date, Prince Andrew has provided zero cooperation.”

He was speaking at an event to promote a new law that makes it easier for victims to sue over childhood abuse.

Before being asked about the Duke, Mr Berman confirmed the investigation was looking at possible “conspirators” who worked with Epstein.

He added: “Jeffrey Epstein couldn’t have done what he did without the assistance of others, and I can assure you that the investigation is moving forward.”

A source said: “This issue is being dealt with by the Duke of York’s legal team.”

Buckingham Palace is not commenting on the matter.

Prince Andrew stepped down from royal duties in November after a car crash interview on BBC Newsnight

The Duke said: "I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency."

During the interview, he was accused of lacking empathy for the disgraced financier's victims and for failing to show any regret for the friendship he shared with him.

Ms Guiffre said on BBC Panorama that she was left "horrified and ashamed" after a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew in 2001. She said she had sex with the Prince three times at Epstein's request. Prince Andrew strenuously denies the allegations.

Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell - Epstein's close friend - have both denied knowledge of Epstein's abuse of teenage girls.

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Prince Andrew 'uncooperative' over Epstein inquiry, US prosecutor says