UK Deputy Speaker denies rape allegations

The British Deputy House of Commons Speaker Nigel Evans has denied allegations against him as "completely false", after being arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.

The 55-year-old Conservative MP for Ribble Valley has been questioned about alleged attacks on two men.

But in a statement to journalists on Sunday, Evans expressed his "sense of incredulity at these events".

His solicitor said he did not intend to quit as deputy speaker or as an MP.

Lancashire Police said on Saturday that a 55-year-old man had been arrested and questioned all day by officers.

The alleged offences took place between July 2009 and March 2013 in Pendleton, Lancashire, they said.

Evans has been bailed until 19 June.

Addressing reporters outside his home, he said: "Yesterday I was interviewed by police concerning two complaints - one of which dates back four years.

He added: "The complaints are completely false and I cannot understand why they have been made, especially as I have continued to socialise with one as recently as last week."

He went on to thank police for their sensitive handling of the matter, as well as colleagues, friends and members of the public who had "expressed their support and, like me, a sense of incredulity at these events".

Prime Minister David Cameron has been made aware of the arrest, it is understood.

Evans, MP for Ribble Valley since 1992, was elected one of three Commons deputy speakers three years ago.

In more than two decades in Parliament, the Swansea-born MP - who came out as gay to a Sunday newspaper in 2010 - has held some senior posts in the party.

From 1999 to 2001, he was vice-chairman of the Conservative Party. Then, when Iain Duncan Smith became party leader in 2001, he was promoted to shadow Welsh secretary - a post he held for two years.