Man questioned over alleged rape at Man Utd party

BRITAIN: A 19-year-old man has been released on bail after several hours of questioning, following an allegation of rape after Manchester United soccer team's Christmas party, British media reported yesterday.

A 26-year-old woman reported she had been attacked at the Great John Street boutique hotel in Manchester in the early hours of Tuesday.

Extensive media reports said some of the team's players and their guests had gone to the hotel as part of the annual Christmas party.

"A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape on Tuesday evening after presenting himself to police," a spokeswoman for the Greater Manchester Police force said in a statement.

"He has been bailed until 23rd February, 2008 pending further inquiries." No charges have been laid.

A hotel spokeswoman said the premises were closed to the public but were likely to reopen next Wednesday. Television footage showed a number of police vehicles parked outside.

"We have had an allegation at the hotel and we are helping police with their investigation," she said.

A spokeswoman for Manchester United said the football club was not commenting on the reports and was unlikely to do so.

© 2007 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times