Leeds footballer is quizzed after new rape allegations

A LEEDS UNITED footballer was being questioned by detectives today after a night in the cells following claims he raped a young woman.

In the latest Premiership scandal, two Leeds players were arrested at the club training ground after a 20-year-old told police she had been sexually assaulted on Monday night.

They were interviewed at separate police stations after a formal caution yesterday afternoon. One was released without charge. The second was held last night at Chapeltown police station for questioning in the presence of his solicitor.

A third man, thought not to be a footballer, is also being held in connection with the inquiry. The DRUGS experts today claimed delaying a test by 24 hours could make all the difference between a positive and negative result.

Here, toxicologist Professor John Henry describes how the body breaks down common drugs: COCAINE: taken for recreational purposes. Stays in the body up to 48 hours.

Professor Henry says: "If a footballer had taken an average line of coke, the body would break half of it down within two hours.

"The liver would usually break the rest down within 24 hours, though it could still be detectable up to 48 hours later."

STEROIDS: taken to enhance sporting performance. Stay in the body up to a week.

Professor Henry says: "Most steroids are taken orally and could be in the body for up to a week.

"So-called 'depot steroids' are taken by injection and could last months, but these are less common. Detecting these attack is said to have happened in Collingham at the home of another Leeds player, who is not thought to feature in the woman's complaint.

None of the men can be named for legal reasons. Scene-of-crime officers sealed off a lay-by on the A58 on the outskirts of the village, 12 miles outside Leeds, and swept the area for clues.

In a statement, Leeds United said: "In line with club policy, full co-operation has been extended to the police."

The arrests come at an already troubled time for the club as uncertainty surrounds manager drugs in urine can be quite difficult and requires sophisticated laboratory tests.

"A delay of 24 hours could be useful, depending on exactly when the substances had been taken."

ECSTASY: taken for recreational purposes. Stays in the body at least 48 hours.

Professor Henry says: "This drug will not be broken down by the body for at least 48 hours, possibly longer. A 24-hour delay could make all the difference."

CANNABIS: taken for recreational purposes. Stays in the body two to three days.

Professor Henry says: "There is something of a myth that cannabis can be detected for weeks and months after it has been taken, but this would require very sophisticated tests indeed.

"The substance would normally be detectable in urine for two to three days." Peter Reid's job after a poor start to the season.

Two years ago Leeds stars Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate were charged with grievous bodily harm following an attack in the city on an Asian student. They were cleared of grievous bodily harm but Woodgate was convicted of affray.

The latest allegations come as police continue to probe claims by a 17-year-old that she was raped by several Premiership players at Park Lane's Grosvenor House hotel on 28 September.

Seven players are under investigation. The girl said she consented to sex with one man but claimed four players from two teams then raped her.

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