Alison Hammond has been called out over a “weird” comment she made live on air about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest. The presenter, 51, was back in her usual slot on This Morning alongside Dermot O’Leary when the news broke that the disgraced former royal had been arrested at his temporary home on the Sandringham estate this morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The former Big Brother star seemed to be most taken with the fact that today is Andrew’s 66th birthday. She said: “They could’ve done it yesterday, the day before his birthday!”

Almost immediately, viewers of the ITV show took to social media to question her odd take on the matter. One said: “Alison saying ‘surely they didn’t have to arrest him on his birthday’. What a weird comment about an ‘alleged’ predator.”

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Another said: “Imagine if Alison was a police officer. Her boss: “We’re arresting Prince Andrew in the morning” Alison: “We can’t be doing that bab, it’s his birthday tomorrow, he’s probably made plans”. A third called Alison a “moron” for suggesting that the police should not have “spoiled his birthday”.

The former prince, who has been stripped of his titles, is in police custody, with photos showing unmarked police cars and plain-clothed officers appearing to gather outside his home on the day he turns 66.

The BBC said laptops, phones and communication devices could be seized from the Royal residences as part of the investigation.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest on Thursday following allegations made against the former prince after the release of millions of pages of files related to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Sean Coughlan, their royal correspondent, added: “This is another extraordinary development in what has been an extraordinary story. It’s hard to think of any precedent for the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the King’s brother. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, but this still has the capacity to shock and surprise as breaking news.”

Thames Valley Police previously said the force was reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy. Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Andrew was kicked out of the Royal Lodge in Windsor earlier this month, moving to the King’s Norfolk estate in the middle of the night to avoid attracting attention. He is believed to be staying in Wood Farm Cottage while Marsh Farm, believed to be his more permanent lodgings, are still undergoing much needed renovations.

Within days of Andrew’s arrival, locals made clear their feelings about the disgraced royal moving into the area. He was said to be “appalled” that his “cramped” new residence has just five bedrooms, with a source recently telling the Daily Mail: “He really didn’t want Marsh Farm… He won’t have lived anywhere that small since he left his apartment at Buckingham Palace.”