A former Premier League footballer has been taken into custody by the Metropolitan police on suspicion of r@ping a woman at a London hotel.
The footballer, 24, was detained by police at the exclusive Corinthia Hotel, in Whitehall Place, Westminster, on October 9, 2024.
The international footballer, whose name has not been disclosed due to legal reasons, has been bailed until a date in mid-December pending further investigations by police.
It was gathered that the female complainant, believed to be in her 20s, reported the alleged attack at the front desk of the five-star hotel early on Wednesday morning.
Sources told The Sun that she had gone back to the hotel with him after meeting him at a bar in central London.
The woman claims she was then attacked and raped by the footballer, who was arrested at the hotel and taken to Charing Cross police station.
The suspect was quizzed by police throughout the day and a DNA swab, mugshot and fingerprints were taken.
The £750-a-night room is also being investigated by forensics, while CCTV footage is being analysed. It’s understood he denies rape.
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.’
The newspaper reports that the player was born abroad and played for several English clubs as well as representing his own country. The source said he is a recognisable Premier League star.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed to MailOnline: ‘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.’
