Prime Minister Tony Blair's son Euan was "reprimanded" by police yesterday for being drunk and incapable.

The warning means he has escaped the more serious sanctions of a caution or prosecution.

The reprimand followed the 16-year-old's arrest on Wednesday night when he was found slumped in Leicester Square.

It is understood the case will now be referred to the local youth offending team, which will consider whether he should take part in a programme designed to prevent him reoffending.

A Number 10 spokesman said last night: "The Prime Minister and Mrs Blair accompanied Euan to Kennington Police Station this afternoon.

"They were there for 30 minutes during which time they were seen by an inspector from Charing Cross police station.

"Euan was reprimanded for being drunk and incapable on Wednesday evening. This is in accordance with the final warning scheme that came into effect last month."

The Blairs had been expected to accompany Euan to Charing Cross police station where he had been held on Wednesday night to hear what action would be taken against him.

However, Downing Street stressed that the family had received no special treatment by visiting Kennington police station, to avoid a media pack at Charing Cross.

Asked what family sanctions might be taken against Euan, the spokesman replied: "The Prime Minister and Mrs Blair will deal with this in the way they choose to deal with it."

The spokesman added Mr Blair was "perfectly fine" yesterday and chairing a series of meetings at Number 10.

"He's got a job to do, he's got a family to bring up and he will continue to do both these jobs to the best of his ability."