Conservative MP Nigel Evans has released a statement regarding his arrest yesterday over male rape and assault charges.

In a live broadcast on SKY News this morning, Evans said: ‘Yesterday I was interviewed by police concerning two complaints, one of which dates back four years, made by two people who are well-known to each other and who, until yesterday, I regarded as friends.

‘The complaints are completely false and I cannot understand why they have been made, especially as I have continued to socialize with one, as recently as last week.

‘I appreciate the way the police have handled this in such a sensitive manner and I want to thank my colleagues, friends and members of the public who have expressed their support and, like me, a sense of incredulity at these events.’

British news channel SKY News broke the story yesterday afternoon that Evans had been arrested at his home in Lancashire. Police took him into questioning over allegations of raping one man and assaulting another between July 2009 and March 2013.

After being released on bail at approximately 22.30pm last night, Evans sent a message of thanks to his supporters via his personal Facebook page.

Evans wrote: ‘Thanks for the amazing overwhelming support at this difficult time.’

Friends, fellow politicians and constituents said they were ‘shocked’ by the allegations brought against the 55 year-old MP, a noted gay rights campaigner since coming out of the closet in 2010.

Michael Ranson, the chairman of the Ribble Valley Conservative Association, told Sky News: ‘He is a very popular MP and a very good constituency MP.

‘He’s given assistance to a lot of his constituents over many years. Everybody’s completely shell-shocked.’

Brian Binley, Tory MP for Northampton South and a friend of Mr Evans, said: ‘I was just deeply disturbed and shocked.

‘I know him to be caring, compassionate and in no way would he inflict himself violently on any other person.’

According to SKY News, Evans was asked by authorities to return to the police station on 19 June.