Complaint over 'rape' team naming

The alleged incident took place at the Grosvenor House hotel

A footballer has filed a complaint over newspaper claims his team is being questioned for allegedly raping a girl.

Most of the media reported the alleged attack on a 17-year-old involving eight Premiership players at a London hotel.

But the Daily Sport identified a team, under the headline "Premiership sex scandal - club at centre of gangbang police quiz".

One player's lawyer has suggested to the attorney general that this could lead to his client being identified.

The lawyer told Lord Goldsmith QC that the article, if cross-referenced with details in other reports, could help to identify the player.

The Contempt of Court Act 1981, designed to ensure a fair trial, free from prejudicial reporting and comment, applies only from the moment of arrest, which has not occurred in this case.

The attorney general reminds editors to consider carefully the conduct of journalists to ensure that nothing is done which could impede the investigation or the administration of justice Lord Goldsmith QC

The paper could be prosecuted under common law if it is judged to have shown an "intent" to prejudice the case through its reporting - though it is considered unlikely this would succeed.

Lord Goldsmith has already warned newspapers and broadcasters to show restraint.

The attorney general said he appreciated the strength of public interest in the case after many newspapers ran the stories on their front pages.

'Trial by media'

His statement said he was "very concerned that evidence is not distorted by potentially prejudicial reporting at this stage".

"The police investigation in this matter is in progress and the attorney general reminds editors to consider carefully the conduct of journalists to ensure that nothing is done which could impede the investigation or the administration of justice."

We have a list of all those staying or working in the hotel during the relevant time period Commander John Yates

Commander John Yates, in charge of the case, urged "all sections of the media" to comply with Lord Goldsmith's advice "in the interests of justice and fairness to all those involved".

"I would hate to see any chance of possible future proceedings put in jeopardy by further speculation, or equally for men who have not been charged with any crime and who may not be linked to this offence to face a trial by media."

But criminal lawyer Julian Young, of Foreman Young, warned that although the attorney general's comments were purely advisory, they signalled the government's intention to extend restrictions on reports of criminal cases.

"This is the thin end of the wedge," he told BBC News Online. "The press ought to be very aware of the government's desire to control what is reported, when it's reported and how it's reported.

"Perhaps it is only a matter of time before they think of other offences they feel should also be covered by additional legislation."

According to the Guardian newspaper, if the alleged attackers' names entered the public domain it would add strength to those favouring legislation to restrict media reports of sexual offences cases.

Two parliamentary committees proposed amending the Sexual Offences Bill to ban newspapers from publishing names of those accused of sexual offences before they are charged.

DNA evidence

The sixth-former behind the allegations made a complaint at a central London police station on Saturday and underwent medical examination at a rape counselling suite.

Forensic experts have examined rooms for DNA evidence at the five-star Grosvenor House hotel in Park Lane.

Commander Yates said his officers were contacting people known to have been staying or working at the hotel at the time.

"If we have not spoken to you yet or you were simply visiting the hotel that night then please get in contact with us."

Anyone with information can contact police on 07769 952519 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.