Former Tory minister denies allegations of sex assault

Former Tory minister Neil Hamilton and his wife Christine are at their London home after being released without charge following their arrest in connection with an allegation of serious sexual assault.

The couple's solicitor said they vehemently denied allegations that they were present and had committed indecent acts while a rape was being committed.

The Hamiltons, who left Barkingside police station in east London just after 8pm on Friday after an afternoon of questioning, told journalists the allegations were "monstrous".

The allegations are understood to centre on a woman who claims she was attacked after meeting a two men and a woman through an internet chatroom.

Mr Hamilton, 52, said he and his wife denied the allegations.

Their lawyer Michael Coleman made a lengthy statement outlining the allegations made against the couple.

He said: "An accusation has been made against them that they took part in a rape and indecent assault in Ilford on Saturday May 4.

"It has been said that Mr and Mrs Hamilton were in a flat in Ilford when a young woman was raped. Those allegations have been denied absolutely by Mr and Mrs Hamilton."