His solicitor John Cohen said officers had interviewed Mr Townshend for one hour and twenty minutes at Twickenham station, south-west London.

He is going home to get some rest. He is tired but all right John Cohen, Pete Townshend's solicitor

He is due to re-attend the station in late January.

The guitarist had been detained on suspicion of possessing and making indecent images of children and of incitement to distribute such images.

Mr Townshend has admitted he gave his credit card details to see a child porn website, but insisted he had done so for research and was not a paedophile. He said he had not downloaded any images.

Mr Cohen, speaking on the steps of the police station, said: "Mr Townshend has been interviewed by police.

"He has not been charged with anything and has been bailed to a future date when he may be required to answer some questions."

Mr Cohen added: "He is going home to get some rest. He is tired but all right."

Consent

Police earlier spent over four hours searching the 57-year-old's home in Richmond, south-west London.

They arrived at the house at 1500 GMT on Monday and were accompanied by four detectives who interviewed him.

The operation was agreed by mutual consent said Mr Townshend's solicitor.

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman outside Mr Townshend's home said: "There will be a thorough and detailed search of the premises. It will take as long as necessary."

She said a search warrant had been obtained and computer forensics officers were among those attending.