PRINCESS Diana's former butler was held at Runcorn police station last week, on suspicion of stealing some of her personal belongings.

Paul Burrell, 42, was arrested at his cottage in Farndon, near Chester, by officers from Scotland Yard.

Seven officers from the Metropolitan Police specialist crime unit are believed to have arrested him in connection with Diana's missing clothes and a £500,000 jewel-encrusted model boat, which was a wedding gift.

Television crews and journalists surrounded Runcorn police station mext to Halton Lea shopping centre, trying to catch a glimpse of the former royal aide, the Princess famously called "My rock".

Mr Burrell was released on police bail.