Man arrested on suspicion of rape at shuttered Groucho Club

A man has been arrested on suspicion of rape at The Groucho Club, the celebrity haunt in London that was closed this week.

The man, aged 34, was arrested on Saturday night at an address in Hertfordshire, the Metropolitan Police said.

"At this stage, there is no suggestion that employees of the venue were involved in the commission of the offence," a statement said.

The Groucho Club, a private members' club in Dean Street, Soho, had its licence suspended by Westminster City Council on Tuesday after a request by the police force.

A full hearing must take place within 28 days from when the police submitted the review application.

"This decision follows reports that a serious crime may have taken place at the premises in circumstances linked to a breach in the premises licencing conditions," a council spokesperson said.

"The allegations are subject to an ongoing police investigation and we cannot comment further at this stage."

The club is understood to have sent an internal email to staff announcing the closure of the venue.

It opened in 1985 and has become a renowned meeting place for A-list celebrities and others, including actors, comedians and media executives.

The club was named after comedian and actor Groucho Marx, who reportedly once said he would refuse to join any club that would have him as a member.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.