Former Premier League footballer arrested over rape of woman at top hotel

The 24-year-old was detained by police at hotel on Wednesday after a woman raised the alarm at reception.

A former Premier League footballer has been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman in a hotel in London. The 24-year-old was detained by police at the Corinthia Hotel in Westminster on Wednesday after a woman raised the alarm at reception.

The Sun claims that the woman met the footballer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in a bar in Central London before returning to the five-star hotel. She alleges that the player then 'attacked and raped' her.

As reported by the Mirror, he was arrested just before 10am. He was then taken to Charing Cross police station for questioning before police carried out a forensic examination of the player's room, said to cost £750 a night. Cops 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 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, October 9 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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