Well-known footballer, 24, arrested over rape of woman at top London hotel

The player has been arrested over an alleged rape after police were called to a five-star hotel in London on Wednesday morning

A well-known footballer has been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman in a London hotel.

The 24-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was detained by police at the hotel on Wednesday after a woman raised the alarm at reception.

The Sun claims that the woman met the footballer in a bar in Central London before returning to the five-star hotel. She alleges she was then 'attacked and raped' by the player.

He was arrested just before 10am and was then taken to Charing Cross police station for questioning. Police carried out a forensic examination of the player's room, said to cost £750 (€896) a night, and are also analysing CCTV footage from the hotel.

The footballer, who is understood to deny the allegation of rape, was bailed until mid-December pending further police inquiries. The claimant was taken to a Haven rape counselling suite and is being supported by 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.”

They said the accused was a well-known footballer who had played at the top level in England. “The allegations against him are very serious,” they added.

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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