Police issue statement as former Premier League footballer arrested on suspicion of raping woman

A former Premier League and international footballer has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of raping a young woman at a hotel in London.

A 24-year-old man was held at the Corinthia Hotel in Whitehall Place, Westminster, on Wednesday morning after an alleged victim raised the alarm at the front desk of the five-star hotel, according to The Sun.

After meeting him in a Central London bar, she reportedly went back to the hotel with the player. The woman alleged she was then attacked and raped by the footballer.

The suspect was arrested over an alleged rape just before 10am on Wednesday morning, and was taken to Charing Cross police station. He was questioned throughout the day in the presence of a lawyer.

The player was later released on bail until a date in mid-December pending further police inquiries. It is understood he denies rape.

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The former Premier League player was born overseas but has played for several English clubs, as well as his own country at youth and senior levels.

A source said: “He has played in the Premier League and people will recognise him. The allegations against him are very serious.”

The woman, who is believed to be in her 20s, was taken to a Haven rape counselling suite to be examined and provided a statement to specialist police officers.

A source told The Sun: “She met the player in a bar and agreed to go back to his hotel, where he had booked into earlier. She claims he then attacked and raped her.

“The woman went to the front desk at the hotel and was said to have been very distressed. Police were called and officers arrived and arrested him at the hotel. He was then led out to the amazement of guests and staff."

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “A 24-year old man was arrested at 09.53hrs on Wednesday, 9 October at an address on Whitehall Place, SW1A, following an allegation of rape.

"He has been bailed until a date in mid-December. A woman is being supported by specially trained officers. The investigation is ongoing and enquiries are still being made.”