Pop singer Hayes in race arrest

Savage Garden enjoyed nine UK top 20 hits between 1997 and 2000

Former Savage Garden singer Darren Hayes has been arrested on suspicion of racially abusing a member of staff at a Thai restaurant, police have said.

The pop star, 35, handed himself in to police after an incident at the restaurant in Soho, London, on 22 July.

"He has been released on bail pending further inquiries," a spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said.

A statement from Hayes' solicitor said the singer was "deeply upset" and "strenuously denies" the allegation.

"Darren is unable to comment to any extent as the incident is presently under investigation by the police, with whom he has co-operated fully," the statement said.

'Totally abhorrent'

"Anyone who knows Darren will recognise that the particular nature of the allegation is totally abhorrent to him and contrary to everything for which he has stood."

Hayes formed Savage Garden with producer Daniel Jones in 1994.

They enjoyed nine UK top 20 hits between 1997 and 2000, including Truly, Madly, Deeply, To The Moon And Back and I Knew I Loved You.

The Brisbane-born singer released his third solo CD, a double album called This Delicate Thing We've Made, on Monday.