Police have searched an MP's Houses of Parliament office after an allegation of rape was made against an aide.
South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay said he granted full access to police and parliamentary services after his chief of staff Sam Armstrong was arrested.
The 23-year-old has now been bailed while inquiries continue into the incident, which was alleged to have taken place in the early hours of Friday (October 14).
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 spokesperson 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 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.”
