Police drop MP sex assault case

16 June 2011 Last updated at 15:56 GMT Andrew Bridgen: "I remain hurt and angry that such a ludicrous, false and unsubstantiated allegation should have been given the attention it has"

Police have confirmed a sexual assault case against Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen has been dropped.

Backbench MP Mr Bridgen, 46, was arrested in central London in the early hours of 9 June after a 29-year-old woman made a complaint to police.

The North West Leicestershire MP was questioned by officers but not charged and released on bail until mid-July.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed no further action would be taken against Mr Bridgen.

'Ludicrous' allegation

In a statement, the former Royal Marine, who became an MP at last year's election, said he welcomed the news that the case was being dropped.

"From the outset, I said that the allegation was without foundation, demonstrably and provably false and I was wholly confident that the outcome of the police investigation would see me exonerated.

"Naturally, I remain hurt and angry that such a ludicrous, false and unsubstantiated allegation should have been given the attention it has.

"I will now be taking further legal advice about possible action against those responsible for making and publicising these falsehoods," he said.

Mr Bridgen went on to thank his family, friends and constituents for their support.

The Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "A 46-year-old man, arrested on Thursday June 9 on suspicion of sexual assault against a 29-year-old woman at an address in SW1 was today, Thursday June 16, released from bail with no further action."

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