Corrie star Bill Roache arrested over sex claim

Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow has been arrested on suspicion of rape

By Nicole Hamer |

12:27 01 May 2013

Police have arrested Bill Roache – who plays Ken Barlow in the TV soap Coronation Street - it has emerged on Wednesday, 1^st May, 2013. Mr. Roach has been arrested on suspicion of rape.

The actor, aged 81, has been taken in by police over the allegation that he raped a girl under the age of 16 in 1967.

Based on reports this allegedly took place in Lancashire during the months between Spring and Summer.

A spokesperson 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.

“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.”

Mr. Roache, who lives in Cheshire, has played Ken Barlow in the soap for over half a century.