Police seize Moss video

Police investigating Kate Moss over drug abuse allegations have seized the video tape which shows her snorting cocaine.

It is the "make or break" piece of evidence in the investigation and could lead to an international warrant being issued for the 31-year-old supermodel's arrest.

The Daily Mirror has been forced to hand over the 45-minute tape - only a few minutes of which have been broadcast on television - after police made an application through a crown court.

Moss was secretly filmed during a recording session for Babyshambles, the pop band fronted by her then boyfriend Pete Doherty, who has a serious drugs problem.

Met commissioner Sir Ian Blair launched the investigation after the film was sold on to the newspaper and selected images published. Without the full tape a prosecution would have been unlikely.

Detectives will study all the footage and seek the advice of the Crown Prosecution Service. If the CPS decides to prosecute, detectives may place a worldwide "wanted" tag on Moss. She has been abroad since the scandal broke and is currently in America.

Moss could be extradited or police may travel abroad to arrest and question her.

Detectives seized the tape from the Mirror in a closed court session at Southwark Crown Court last week. They hope the footage will also provide clues as to who trapped Moss in the sting operation. The Standard revealed that the pictures came from a spy camera concealed in a jacket. The prime suspect is a 25-year-old Asian man, a former close acquaintance of Doherty's.

Moss was caught on camera at the Metropolis studio in Chiswick on the night of 6 September. There were 14 people-there in the course of the night, including Babyshambles band members and the record's producer Mick Jones, formerly of The Clash. If others present have been filmed taking cocaine, or supplying it, they will face prosecution.

Police had planned to interview Moss in the presence of a solicitor. If she admits taking the drug she would be likely to escape with a caution. But that would leave her with a criminal record, making it difficult to work abroad.