Ex-Premier League Footballer, 24, Arrested for Alleged Rape in London Hotel
A former Premier League footballer has been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman at a luxury London hotel. The 24-year-old was taken into custody by police at the prestigious Corinthia Hotel in Whitehall Place, Westminster, on October 9.
Due to legal restrictions, the international footballer’s identity has not been disclosed. He has since been released on bail, with further investigations set to continue until mid-December.
The alleged victim, believed to be in her 20s, reported the incident to hotel staff early on Wednesday morning. According to The Sun, she had met the footballer at a central London bar and accompanied him back to his hotel room. It is claimed that once in the room, the footballer attacked and raped her.
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Police arrested the suspect at the hotel and took him to Charing Cross police station for questioning. During the interrogation, DNA samples, a mugshot, and fingerprints were collected. Forensic teams are now investigating the £750-a-night room, and CCTV footage from the hotel is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. The footballer has denied the rape allegations.
A source told The Sun, “She met the player in a bar and agreed to go back to his hotel. She claims he then attacked and raped her. She was very distressed when she reported the incident at the hotel’s front desk, prompting hotel staff to call the police.” Guests and staff reportedly looked on in shock as the footballer was escorted out by officers.
The suspect, described as a well-known Premier League star, was born outside the UK and has played for several English clubs as well as representing his home country internationally.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest, stating: “A 24-year-old man was arrested at 09:53 on Wednesday, 9 October, following an allegation of rape at an address on Whitehall Place, SW1A. He has been bailed until mid-December, and the woman is receiving support from specially trained officers. The investigation is ongoing, and inquiries are continuing.”
Source: LIB