Police probe rape claim after Man United party

LONDON: Police said on Tuesday they were investigating an allegation a woman was raped at a hotel in northwest England where Manchester United players and staff were holding a Christmas party.

Greater Manchester Police said they were called after a report that a 26-year-old had been attacked at the Great John Street Hotel in Manchester's city centre in the early hours of Tuesday.   

Reports on the BBC and Sky News said some players and their guests had gone to the hotel as part of the premier league club's annual Christmas party.   

No one at Manchester United could be reached immediately for comment.   

A hotel spokeswoman said the hotel was closed to the public but was likely to reopen on Wednesday.   

"We have had an allegation at the hotel and we are helping police with their investigation," she said.   

In a statement, police said: "Police are currently investigating a report of rape at a hotel in Manchester city centre."   

"At about 4.15 a.m., police were called to the hotel on Great John Street to a report that a 26-year-old woman had been raped. Inquiries are continuing."   

Police released no more details.