The son of US tennis legend John McEnroe has been charged with drug possession after he was caught handling cocaine in New York.

Kevin McEnroe, whose mother is actress Tatum O'Neal, was arrested when he was caught carrying the Class A drug as well as prescription medication in the East Village.

Police have confirmed that the 27-year-old was taken into custody on Tuesday night after the authorities witnessed a "narcotics transaction", according to Sky News.

McEnroe, who did not enter a plea when he appeared in court on Wednesday, was released after being charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Niro Meneses, 22, was also arrested on suspicion of criminal possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell.