A former Premier League footballer has been arrested on suspicion of r*pe at a hotel in London.
The 24-year-old was taken into custody by police at the exclusive Corinthia Hotel in Whitehall Place, Westminster, on October 9.
The international footballer, who is currently unnamed due to legal reasons, has been released on bail until a later date in mid-December, pending further investigations by law enforcement.
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.
According to sources, the woman returned to the hotel with the accused after their initial encounter at a bar in central London.
The complainant alleges that she was subjected to an att@ck and s*xual assault by the footballer, who was subsequently arrested at the hotel and brought to the 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 r*pe.
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.’