Rugby players held over party rape claim

Three rugby players were arrested after a woman claimed she was raped at a party, police said today.

The "serious sexual offence" is alleged to have happened in the early hours of Saturday morning as the England Counties squad celebrated a victory against an Irish team at the Ramada Hotel in Bewdley, Worcestershire.

The trio were arrested on Saturday and held at separate police stations during the day.

They have been freed on bail to return to Kidderminster Police Station pending further inquiries, West Mercia Police said.

A spokesman said: "Three males have been arrested following a serious sexual offence on a female at an address in Bewdley.

"The incident is believed to have taken place in the early hours of Saturday February 27, between approximately 3.45am and 4.15am."

Detective Inspector Terry Shore, who is leading the inquiry, added: "Our investigations are currently focused on one location in Bewdley and we hope that local residents, rather than being alarmed by an increased police presence in their area, will be reassured that the police are focused on carrying out an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident."

The inquiry is being handled by North Worcestershire CID officers.