Former Premier League footballer arrested on suspicion of raping woman at London hotel

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

Scotland Yard held the 24-year-old at Corinthia Hotel in Whitehall Place, Westminster, after an alleged victim raised the alarm with receptionists.

The Sun newspaper reports that the player was born overseas but has played for several English clubs as well his own country at youth and senior levels.

A young woman alerted the front desk of the five-star hotel on Wednesday morning after meeting the player at a central London bar, it is claimed.

The suspect was then arrested over an alleged rape just before 10am that morning and he was taken to Charing Cross police station.

He has since been released on bail until a date in mid-December pending further police inquiries. It is understood he denies rape. Police carried out a forensic examination of the suspect’s room and are examining CCTV footage.

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.”

The complainant, reported to be in her 20s, has 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... He has played in the Premier League and people will recognise him.”