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Tory MP Nigel Evans bailed in rape inquiry Tory MP Nigel Evans bailed in rape inquiry
(about 1 hour later)
Deputy House of Commons Speaker Nigel Evans has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.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, was 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 interviewed by officers all day.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.
Mr Evans has been bailed until 19 June.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 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."
'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. In more than two decades in Parliament, the Swansea-born MP - who came out as gay to a Sunday newspaper in 2010 - 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, Mr Evans, 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.