A sister of US singer Mariah Carey has reportedly been arrested in New York on a prostitution charge.

Police said anyone who may have had a sexual encounter Alison A Carey (55) should see their doctor.

Local media said the older sister of the singer was arrested by police in the town of Saugerties, following an undercover investigation into allegations she was prostituting out of a hotel.

Police chief Joseph Sinagra said Carey identified herself as the sister of the performer.

She was arraigned and sent to Ulster County Jail.

Her bail was reportedly set at US$1,000 (€894), and she is due in court on August 30th.

Carey and her sister are believed to have been estranged for years.