New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez has been arrested by police at his home in North Attleborough, Massachusetts.

The 23-year-old has been at the centre of a homicide investigation after the body of a semi-professional American football player Odin Lloyd was found in an industrial park about half a mile from Hernandez's home.

The Patriots star, who is said to have been a friend of the 27-year-old victim, was handcuffed at his home and taken into police custody, according to USA Today.

Police have searched Hernandez's home twice.