Rugby players held over party rape claim
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Three rugby players were arrested after a woman claimed she was raped at a party, police said today.
The "serious sexual offence" is alleged to have happened in the early hours of Saturday morning as the England Counties squad celebrated a victory against an Irish team at the Ramada Hotel in Bewdley, Worcestershire.
The trio were arrested on Saturday and held at separate police stations during the day.
They have been freed on bail to return to Kidderminster Police Station pending further inquiries, West Mercia Police said.
A spokesman said: "Three males have been arrested following a serious sexual offence on a female at an address in Bewdley.
"The incident is believed to have taken place in the early hours of Saturday February 27, between approximately 3.45am and 4.15am."
Detective Inspector Terry Shore, who is leading the inquiry, added: "Our investigations are currently focused on one location in Bewdley and we hope that local residents, rather than being alarmed by an increased police presence in their area, will be reassured that the police are focused on carrying out an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident."
The inquiry is being handled by North Worcestershire CID officers.