Hamiltons have 'incontrovertible alibi proof'

Former Tory minister Neil Hamilton and his wife Christine today claimed they had "incontrovertible proof" they were not involved in an alleged sex attack.

The couple said they had 10 independent witnesses and could account for "virtually every minute" of the day on which a woman claims they took part in a serious sex assault.

Speaking on British television from their home in Nether Alderley, Cheshire, Mr Hamilton, 51, said: "This woman is lying and the police should be pursuing her."

His wife Christine, 52, broke down in tears as she told of the strain the police investigation had placed upon them.

The couple were speaking just hours before the solicitor for the alleged sex attack victim was due to read a statement on her behalf.

She has told police she was raped and indecently assaulted in a flat in Ilford, Essex, in May.