'Sex Arrest' MP Angry Over 'Damaging' Claims

A Conservative MP says he has been targeted in a "mischievous and damaging way" after he was arrested over an alleged sexual assault.

Andrew Bridgen has "vigorously denied" the allegations, adding that they are "demonstrably and provably false".

The 46-year-old politician, who had cancelled his constituency surgery scheduled for today, released a statement insisting he was innocent.

In it, he 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.

"This has caused real hurt and distress to my friends and family, and must be a concern to my constituents.

"I am naturally angry that I have been targeted in this mischievous and damaging way, and I will be taking advice about this.

"But I would like to thank my constituents and colleagues for the many messages of support that I have received."

Mr Bridgen, who was elected to Parliament last year, was questioned by police before being released on bail.

He had been detained in relation to allegations of assaulting a 29-year-old woman in central London in the early hours of Thursday morning.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "A 46-year-old man has been 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."

At his home in Coalville, Mr Bridgen was offered support by Graham Allman, chairman of the North West Leicestershire Conservative Association.

As he left, Mr Allman told reporters that the MP was "a good family man", adding: "I have known him a long time, he is a good guy, an all-round good guy, good for the constituency - a very popular man."

A Conservative spokesman said: "At the moment, this is a matter for the police, who are investigating, and it would be inappropriate to comment further until the facts are clear."

Although the address was in SW1 - the London postcode which includes Westminster - Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig understood the alleged incident did not take place in the Houses of Parliament.

He said: "Andrew Bridgen is the newly elected MP for North West Leicestershire. He's married with two sons."

He added: "Conservative business managers have been stressing to me that no charges have been brought against the MP."

After training as an officer in the Royal Marines, Mr Bridgen worked for his family's gardening business and set up vegetable firm AB Produce with his brother in 1988.

In the Commons, he is a member of the Regulatory Reform Committee.