Tory MP dismisses allegations

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen last night dismissed allegations he sexually assaulted a woman as "demonstrably and provably false".

The backbencher, who was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of the offence, said he was angry that a "mischievous" complaint had been made against him.

Unconfirmed reports suggested the complaint was made by a female researcher for another Tory MP shortly after she left Mr Bridgen's London flat at about 1am on Thursday.

In a statement, Mr Bridgen said: "The allegations made against me are wholly false and without foundation. Fortunately, they are also demonstrably and provably false.

"I have been happy to co-operate fully with the police and I am completely confident that, after proper investigation, I will be fully exonerated. I am naturally angry that I have been targeted in this mischievous and damaging way, and I will be taking advice about this."

The North West Leicestershire MP, a married father of two, entered parliament after last year's general election, and is regarded as being on the right of the party.

Scotland Yard has said a 46-year-old man was arrested "on suspicion of sexual assault against a 29-year-old woman at an address in SW1. He has been bailed to return on a date in mid-July."