A Labour MP has been arrested on suspicion of rape and child sex offences.
Norris, 65, who was last night suspended by the Labour Party, was quizzed by police on Friday over claims of historic sexual attacks on a girl and a rape allegation.
Avon & Somerset Police also confirmed that the North East Somerset & Hanham MP had been held on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The force revealed its investigation centres around historic claims made by a girl in the 2000s, with a more recent rape allegations also being made in the past few years.
Labour also confirmed Norris was immediately suspended after Southside had been informed of his arrest
PA
In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: “In December 2024, we received a referral from another police force relating to alleged non-recent child sex offences having been committed against a girl.
“Most of the offences are alleged to have occurred in the 2000s, but we’re also investigating an alleged offence of rape from the 2020s.
“An investigation, led by officers within Operation Bluestone, our dedicated rape and serious sexual assault investigation team, remains ongoing and at an early stage.
“The victim is being supported and given access to any specialist help or support she needs.”
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Avon & Somerset Police also confirmed that the North East Somerset & Hanham MP had been held on suspicion of misconduct in public office
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“A man, aged in his sixties, was arrested on Friday (April 4) on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl (under the Sexual Offences Act 1956), rape (under the Sexual Offences Act 2003), and misconduct in a public office. He’s been released on conditional bail for enquiries to continue.
“This is an active and sensitive investigation, so we’d respectfully ask people not to speculate on the circumstances so our enquiries can continue unhindered.”
Labour also confirmed Norris was immediately suspended after Southside had been informed of his arrest.
A Labour Party spokesman said: “Dan Norris MP was immediately suspended by the Labour Party upon being informed of his arrest.
Norris celebrates with his dog Angel after being elected West of England mayor in 2021
PA
“We cannot comment further while the police investigation is ongoing.”
Avon & Somerset Police also confirmed that the North East Somerset & Hanham MP had been held on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The ex-West of England Mayor defeated Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg by 5,319 votes.
Norris, who is unmarried and an NSPCC-trained child protection officer, was pictured looking glum at the wheel of his car near his West Country home yesterday.
He will now be barred from the parliamentary estate at Westminster under tightened rules around politicians under investigation.
Norris has served as the Parliamentary-Under Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and the Environment and as a Labour Whip, having previously served as the MP for Wansdyke from 1997 to 2010.