Sam Armstrong: Conservative aide arrested on suspicion of rape inside MP's parliamentary office

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

Police are investigating an allegation that a Tory MP's aide raped a woman in Parliament.

Sam Armstrong, chief of staff to South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay, was arrested last week.

It is thought the alleged rape took place inside the MP's office after drinks on the House of Lords terrace on Thursday night.

The 23-year-old has been relesaed on bail while inquiries into the incident continue.

A spokesperson for Mr Mackinlay told The Independent: “On Friday morning Mr Mackinlay was made aware of an allegation against a member of his staff. Following a request made by the police and parliamentary services, he granted full access to his Westminster office.”

He added: “Mr Mackinlay is currently awaiting further information from the police."

Mr Macinlay's office was searched by police on Friday and sealed off as a potential crime scene.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Detectives from the sexual offences, exploitation and child abuse command are investigating an allegation of rape at the Houses of Parliament in the early hours of Friday 14 October.

“A 23-year-old man was arrested that same day on suspicion of rape. He has been bailed pending further inquires to a date in mid-January 2017.”

A House of Commons spokesman said: "We are aware of an incident on the parliamentary estate which is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Service.

“Parliament is working closely with the police on their investigation and we cannot comment further while this is ongoing.”

According to The Sun, the allegation was made after a group of Tory aides had been drinking on the House of Lords terrace, overlooking the Thames. Mr Armstrong reportedly took the woman to the MP’s Parliamentary office in the early hours of Friday and she reported the alleged attack soon afterwards.

Mr Armstrong is yet to respond to the allegations.