Rape probe at Man Utd party hotel

Police in England are investigating claims that a woman was raped at a hotel where Manchester United footballers were holding a party.

The alleged assault occurred at the Great John Street Hotel in Manchester in the early hours of the morning.

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said: “Police are currently investigating a report of rape at a hotel in Manchester city centre.

“At about 4.15am on Tuesday December 18, 2007, 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.”

A hotel spokeswoman said: “We did have an event on Monday night. We’re helping the police with an investigation. We’re currently closed but hoping to open this evening.”

The hotel is a boutique 'town house' hotel converted from a Victorian schoolhouse in the trendy Castlefield area of Manchester.

The Manchester Evening News reported that the entire Manchester United first team – excluding Cristiano Ronaldo – attended their club’s annual Christmas party.

The players were reportedly entertained by burlesque dancers during their meal at the Manchester 235 Casino.

They were also reported to have had a drink at the Old Grapes, a pub owned by former Coronation Street actress Liz Dawn.