Coronation Street's Bill Roache is the latest famous face to be arrested over sexual assualt claims after police took him into custody this moning.
The actor - who has portrayed Ken Barlow since the ITV soap began in December 1960 - was arrested at his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire, on suspicion of the rape of a 15-year-old girl which took place between April and July 1967 in Lancashire, North West England.
A statement from Lancashire Police said: "An 81 year old man from Wilmslow in Cheshire has this morning, Wednesday, May 1, 2013, been arrested by Lancashire Constabulary on suspicion of rape.
"The man will be interviewed at a police station in Lancashire during the course of the day.
"The offences are alleged to have been committed in Haslingden between April and July 1967 and to involve a girl aged 15 years.
"We take all allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously and would encourage people with any information about sexual abuse, or anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, to come forward and report their concerns confident in the knowledge they will be investigated appropriately and with sensitivity."
An ITV spokeswoman said the broadcaster was not in a position to comment, but it is understood Bill will not appear in the long-running soap while investigations continue.
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