A 24 year old ex-Premier League player has been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman at a West End hotel, police confirm.
The international footballer, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was apprehended by police at the Corinthia Hotel located in Whitehall Place, Westminster.
As per reports, the young woman reported the incident to the front desk of the five-star establishment early Wednesday morning with one source saying she had returned to the hotel with the player after she met him earlier at a bar in Central London.
The woman made allegations that she was assaulted and raped by the footballer, with police arriving at the scene and took him into custody at the hotel shortly before 10am that morning.
He was taken to Charing Cross police station, where he was interrogated throughout the day with legal representation present and because of the standard part of the procedure for arrests, a DNA sample, mugshot, and fingerprints are taken from the suspect.
It is reported that he denies the allegations of rape.
The man was later released on bail until a scheduled date in mid-December with further investigations underway with authorities doing a forensic examination of the player’s hotel room, which costs £750 per night, with CCTV footage being taken from the premises and reviewed.
The female complainant, believed to be in her 20s, was also taken to a Haven rape counselling suite for examination and has gave a statement to specialised police officers.
Former Premier League and international footballer, 24, is ‘arrested on suspicion of raping woman in London hotel’ https://t.co/vGfDWvMYFp
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) October 13, 2024
A source said: “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.”
The player was born abroad and has played for several English clubs as well representing his own country at youth and senior levels.
The source added: “He has played in the Premier League and people will recognise him.
“The allegations against him are very serious.”
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.”
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Rape Crisis (England and Wales)
Helpline: 0808 500 2222 (24/7)
Rape Crisis England & Wales is the charity working to end sexual violence and abuse. We provide specialist information and support to all those affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence and abuse in England and Wales. We are also the membership organisation for 39 Rape Crisis centres. Together, we aim to educate, influence and make change.
Rape, Sexual Abuse & Personal Safety Abroad
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Rape & Sexual Assault Abroad – Returning to the UK
Support for British Nationals Abroad
Rape and sexual assault can happen to women and men of all ages and backgrounds. While most visits abroad are trouble-free, we are becoming more aware of people being sexually assaulted whilst they are overseas. Sexual assault is a very traumatic experience whenever and wherever it happens, but the trauma can be made even more difficult to deal with when it happens abroad. We will be as helpful as we can to anyone who tells us they have had sex against their wishes or been attacked by someone wanting sex.
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When travelling abroad, most people are keen to relax and unwind. Travellers, tourists and foreign businessmen and women can be prime targets for criminals, however. In order to minimise stress on your holiday or trip, take time to plan your personal safety strategy in advance. From keeping your valuables safe to avoiding violence, a little forethought may save you from becoming a victim of crime.
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