This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22414334

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Tory MP arrested over rape allegations, sources say Tory MP Nigel Evans bailed in rape inquiry
(35 minutes later)
Deputy House of Commons Speaker Nigel Evans has been arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault, Conservative sources say. Deputy House of Commons Speaker Nigel Evans has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.
The Conservative MP, 55, is being questioned about alleged attacks on two men in their 20s, the BBC understands. The Conservative MP, 55, was questioned about alleged attacks on two men in their 20s, the BBC understands.
Police said a 55-year-old man was arrested on Saturday morning and was being interviewed by officers. Police said a 55-year-old man was arrested on Saturday morning and was interviewed by officers all day.
The alleged offences took place between July 2009 and March 2013 in Pendleton, Lancashire, police added.The alleged offences took place between July 2009 and March 2013 in Pendleton, Lancashire, police added.
It is understood detectives were continuing to question him through the evening. Mr Evans has been bailed until 19 June.
Prime Minister David Cameron has been made aware of the arrest, it is understood.Prime Minister David Cameron has been made aware of the arrest, it is understood.
In a statement, Lancashire Police, who have not named the man, said: "A 55-year-old man from Pendleton in Lancashire has today, Saturday, 4th May 2013, been arrested by Lancashire Constabulary on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.In a statement, Lancashire Police, who have not named the man, said: "A 55-year-old man from Pendleton in Lancashire has today, Saturday, 4th May 2013, been arrested by Lancashire Constabulary on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.
"The man will be interviewed at a police station in Lancashire during the course of the day.
"The offences are alleged to have been committed in Pendleton between July 2009 and March 2013."The offences are alleged to have been committed in Pendleton between July 2009 and March 2013.
"We take all allegations of a sexual nature extremely seriously and understand how difficult it can be for victims to have the confidence to come forward."We take all allegations of a sexual nature extremely seriously and understand how difficult it can be for victims to have the confidence to come forward.
"As a constabulary, we are committed to investigating sexual offences sensitively but robustly recognising the impact that these types of crimes have on victims."As a constabulary, we are committed to investigating sexual offences sensitively but robustly recognising the impact that these types of crimes have on victims.
"We would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, or who has information about it, to have the confidence to report it to us knowing that we will take it seriously, deal with it sensitively and investigate it thoroughly.""We would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, or who has information about it, to have the confidence to report it to us knowing that we will take it seriously, deal with it sensitively and investigate it thoroughly."
'Kind and caring''Kind and caring'
Mr Evans, MP for Ribble Valley since 1992, was elected one of three Commons deputy speakers three years ago.Mr Evans, MP for Ribble Valley since 1992, was elected one of three Commons deputy speakers three years ago.
BBC political correspondent Iain Watson described Mr Evans, who came out as gay to a Sunday newspaper in 2010, as gregarious, energetic and well-liked across the political spectrum.BBC political correspondent Iain Watson described Mr Evans, who came out as gay to a Sunday newspaper in 2010, as gregarious, energetic and well-liked across the political spectrum.
In more than two decades in Parliament, the Swansea-born MP has held some senior posts in the party.In more than two decades in Parliament, the Swansea-born MP has held some senior posts in the party.
From 1999 to 2001, he was vice-chairman of the Conservative Party, then when Iain Duncan Smith became party leader in 2001, he was promoted to shadow Welsh secretary - a post he held for two years.From 1999 to 2001, he was vice-chairman of the Conservative Party, then when Iain Duncan Smith became party leader in 2001, he was promoted to shadow Welsh secretary - a post he held for two years.
Michael Ranson, chairman of the Ribble Valley Conservative Association, said people in the constituency were "completely shell-shocked".Michael Ranson, chairman of the Ribble Valley Conservative Association, said people in the constituency were "completely shell-shocked".
"He is a very popular MP and a very good constituency MP. He's given assistance to a lot of his constituents over many years," he told Sky News."He is a very popular MP and a very good constituency MP. He's given assistance to a lot of his constituents over many years," he told Sky News.
Conservative MP Brian Binley described his friend as a kindly, caring and gentle person.Conservative MP Brian Binley described his friend as a kindly, caring and gentle person.
"I do not believe that Nigel is capable of inflicting his will in this way on anybody," he told the BBC."I do not believe that Nigel is capable of inflicting his will in this way on anybody," he told the BBC.