Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with rape by the Metropolitan Police.
In a statement released on Friday, the Met Police confirmed the 32-year-old, of Hertfordshire, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. A statement reads: "The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives."
Partey, who left Arsenal on June 30 following the expiry of his contract, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the force said. A spokesperson for the Met Police said two counts of rape relate to one woman, while three counts of rape relate to a second woman. The one count of sexual assault relates to a third woman.
"The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021 – 2022," the Met Police said. "The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape."
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing [CIT@met.police.uk](mailto:CIT@met.police.uk)."
Partey will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5.
Jaswant Narwal, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape – after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence. Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.
“We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
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