UK's Labour Party suspends MP over allegation of rape, child sex offences

IANS:UK's ruling Labour Partyannounced that it had suspended its Member of Parliament Dan Norris after being arrested on suspicion of rape, child sex offences, child abduction and misconduct in a public office, according to local media reports.

- IANS

Norris is currently the Mayor of the West of England as well as an MP. The suspension means Norris, the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, is also understood to have had the party whip suspended, meaning he is not able to sit as a Labour MP in the House of Commons.

"Dan Norris MP was immediately suspended by the Labour Party upon being informed of his arrest. We cannot comment further while the police investigation is ongoing," said a party spokesman confirming his arrest on Saturday night.

Avon and Somerset Police said it was investigating a series of allegations against a man in his sixties.