MP's aide Sam Armstrong investigated over alleged rape in Parliament

Police are investigating claims that an aide to a Tory MP raped a woman in the Houses of Parliament.

Sam Armstrong, chief of staff to Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay, was arrested after the alleged attack in the early hours of Friday. The 23-year-old was released on bail while inquiries continue into the incident.

The Sun reported that a group of Tory aides had been drinking in the House of Lords Terrace, overlooking the River Thames prior to the alleged attack. Mr Armstrong then reportedly took the woman back to the MP's parliamentary office where the alleged attack took place.

A spokesman for the MP said: "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.

"Mr Mackinlay is currently awaiting further information from the police."

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."