Former Libertines and Babyshambles singer Pete Doherty has been arrested in Paris for buying cocaine, French authorities have said.

The Paris prosecutor’s office said the 40-year old was placed in detention during the night after being stopped by police during a drugs transaction.

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Pete DohertyThe star rose to fame in the noughties with the Libertines (Anthony Devlin/PA)

Officials would not confirm French media reports that Doherty was carrying two grams of cocaine and was arrested in Pigalle, an area known for its late-night bars.

Since rising to fame in the noughties, Doherty, the former boyfriend of model Kate Moss, has been repeatedly arrested for drug offences.