A former Premier League footballer has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman at a London hotel. The alleged incident was said to have taken place at the high-end Corinthia Hotel in Whitehall Palace, Westminster.

According to The Sun, a 24-year-old man was arrested after a young woman raised a complaint at the front desk of the five-star hotel on Wednesday. The woman reportedly went back to the hotel with the player after meeting him at a bar in central London.

She later alleged that she was attacked and raped by the footballer, who cannot be named for legal reasons. Following his arrest, he was reportedly taken to a police station in Charing Cross and questioned throughout the day in the presence of a lawyer.

The player was said to have given a DNA sample as well as having his fingerprints and mugshot taken, as is routine for anybody who has been arrested. He was later released on bail pending further police inquiries. The report states that he denies rape.

It is said that police carried out a forensic examination of the hotel room in which the alleged rape is said to have taken place. They have also reportedly been analysing CCTV footage from the hotel as part of their inquiries.

The complainant was reportedly taken to a rape counselling suite to be examined and has provided a statement to specialist police officers.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police is quoted as saying: “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.”

Anybody with information is urged to call 101 or contact @MetCC on X, formerly Twitter, quoting Connect reference 01/938365/24. Alternatively, those wishing to provide information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.