AN MP who started his political career at Harrow Civic Centre under a different name has been arrested over an alleged rape.

Mark Pritchard was bailed after voluntarily attending a police station in central London for questioning.

He won a seat on Harrow Council for the Tories in the now-defunct Pinner West ward in a by-election in 1993 - although he was known as Mark Mallon at the time.

The 48-year-old failed in his re-election bid at the following year's local elections.

His arrest was confirmed in a letter from the Metropolitan Police (MPS) to the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow.

It says: “I write to inform you that on December 2 2014, Mark Pritchard MP was arrested at 6.14pm at Holborn Police Station in London by MPS officers.

“Mr Pritchard was questioned by police and released on bail later the same evening at 10.16pm.

"The matter is subject to further investigation and is sub judice at the present time.”

Mr Pritchard has been MP for Wrekin in Shropshire since the 2005 General Election.