by The Commentator on 4 May 2013 18:25

The Deputy speaker of the British House of Commons, Nigel Evans MP, has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault, as reported by Sky News.

The Conservative MP was arrested on Saturday morning at his home in Lancashire.

Sky News's Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt said: "He is being questioned over two allegations, one of rape and another of sexual assault against two men...

"He was arrested at his home and the offences are alleged to have been committed at his home some time between July 2009 and March 2013 . He is still in custody its not clear what the result of the questioning is going to be tonight."

Lancashire Police stated that a 55-year-old was arrested in the village of Pendleton near Clitheroe and Prime Minister David Cameron and Speaker John Bercow are understood to have been informed of the arrest.

A Whitehall source told The Daily Mirror website: “It’s been a total shock. Nigel is a popular and well-liked character. No one can quite believe what’s happened.”

The allegations are said to have been made by two men in their twenties.

Evans is one of three deputy speakers in the House of Commons.