William Roache, the 81-year-old actor best known for playing Ken Barlow in Coronation Street, has been arrested on suspicion of raping a 15-year-old girl in the 1960s. Lancashire Police confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, May 1, 2013.
The alleged offences are said to have taken place in Haslingden between April and July 1967. Roache, from Wilmslow, Cheshire, is being questioned at a police station in Lancashire. Neither Roache nor his representatives have commented on the allegations.
A Coronation Street spokesperson stated: 'Given that a police investigation is under way it would not be appropriate to comment.' Two police officers were stationed outside Roache's home following the arrest.
Lancashire Police said in a statement: '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.'
In March 2013, Roache sparked controversy after suggesting in a New Zealand television interview that sex abuse victims were being punished for behaviour in 'previous lives'. He also called for anonymity for those accused of child sex offences, citing the stigma faced even if innocent.
Roache holds a Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving soap actor, having played Ken Barlow since the first episode of Coronation Street in 1960.
