A TORY MP was arrested yesterday and accused of sexually assaulting a woman at his Westminster flat.
Andrew Bridgen, 46 - a married dad of two who also works as a CLOWN - spent 12 hours in custody after the woman claimed he groped her breasts.
The 29-year-old woman called police after leaving his flat at 1am. Officers then went to the address and arrested Mr Bridgen at 2am.
The MP for North West Leicestershire was locked in a cell overnight, then questioned before being bailed at 2.30pm.
His mugshot, DNA saliva sample and fingerprints were taken like any other suspect.
The woman, who cannot be named, is thought to work as a researcher for another Tory MP. She gave a full statement to detectives, but a police source said: "At this stage it seems highly unlikely the case will go any further.
"Mr Bridgen has been very co-operative and totally denies any suggestion he sexually assaulted the woman."
A Tory spokesman said: "This is a matter for police. It would be inappropriate to comment until the facts are clear."
Mr Bridgen's wife Jacqueline - a Tory councillor - is believed to have left him a month ago. The couple have two young sons.
There was no sign of the MP at the gated family home in Coalville, Leics, last night. His wife drove in without comment.
Mr Bridgen's pal Graham Allman, chairman of the local Conservative Association, said: "I have spoken to him and offered him my support. He said he'd just see how things unfold. He's a good family man, an all-round good guy."
Mr Allman declined to say whether Mr Bridgen's wife was standing by him.
Mr Bridgen was a Royal Marines officer and set up a family veg business before becoming an MP last year.
He also works as a professional clown but a political pal said: "There is nothing funny about this. It's a trumped-up allegation and Andrew is absolutely confident of being vindicated."
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