Police raids on two properties owned by rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs were an “unprecedented ambush”, his lawyer has said.

Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and Miami were searched by officers on Monday.

The searches were connected to a sex trafficking investigation by federal authorities in New York, US news outlets reported yesterday.

In a statement released on behalf of the rapper, his lawyer Aaron Dyer said: “Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr Combs’ residences.

“There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated.

“Mr Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities.

“Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way. This unprecedented ambush – paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence – leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits.

Anne Hathaway reveals miscarriage while in play in which she had to ‘give birth every night’

Ahead of licence fee rise next month, BBC boss Tim Davie rejects idea of commercial model

P Diddy: Rapper Sean Combs’ homes raided by Homeland Security

“There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Related posts:

Australian soap Neighbours facing review over racism allegations Stage star Ruthie Henshall hits out at care home COVID restrictions following mother’s death UB40 star Brian Travers dies after ‘long and heroic battle with cancer’ Disney responds to Peter Dinklage after he hit out over remake of Snow White Blac Chyna loses $108 million defamation case against Kardashians Cinderella cast members call for compensation after show cancelled Kanye West being sued by US pastor after sermon sampled without permission – report Pointer Sisters singer, whose hits include I’m So Excited and Jump (For My Love), dies A Good Person, Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Citadel and Fatal Attraction Protest planned against Roger Waters’ concert over ‘Nazi costume’ Stephen Fry to deliver alternative Christmas message Alec Baldwin indicted on involuntary manslaughter over Rust shooting death