Crispin Blunt released under investigation

Reigate MP Crispin Blunt has been released under investigation following his arrest last year.

He was detained by police in October on suspicion of rape and possession of controlled substances and released on conditional bail pending further inquiries.

Mr Blunt, who served as a justice minister between 2010 and 2012, was re-bailed in January, having previously identified himself as the man detained by the force and released on conditional bail.

In a statement on Tuesday, Surrey Police said a man in his 60s who had been arrested on October 25 in Horley on suspicion of rape and possession of controlled substances has not had his bail extended and has been released under investigation.

The decision not to re-bail Mr Blunt will be further reviewed in July, Surrey Police said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.

Mr Blunt, 63, has said he will “co-operate fully” with the investigation and is “confident” he will not be charged.

He was first elected to parliament in 1997 as a Conservative. He had the Tory whip withdrawn following the arrest and currently stands as an independent MP.

He has said he does not intend to contest the next election.

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