Paul Weller arrested on rape claim

Paul Weller: The grandfather of BritRock

Pop star Paul Weller has been released on police bail after being arrested in connection with an alleged rape.

The former Jam frontman was questioned by Surrey Police about the alleged attack, said to have happened four years ago.

A police spokesman said: "We have received an allegation of rape which is alleged to have happened in Farnham at the end of 1996.

"A 42-year-old man has been arrested to help us with our inquiries and has been released on police bail."

The alleged victim is a 36-year-old woman, believed to be from Streatham, south London.

Weller earned his reputation with The Jam in the 1970s and 1980s and later formed the Style Council.

More recently, Weller has carved out a successful solo career and has been cited as a strong musical influence on bands such as Oasis.

Nicknamed the grandfather of BritRock, Weller won the Best British Male award at the Brits in 1995.