Police search the offices of deputy speaker Nigel Evans

The offices of deputy speaker Nigel Evans have been searched by police in connection with an investigation into allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Commons Speaker John Bercow said the offices were searched after an order was granted by Preston Crown Court on Thursday. He said he had been consulted before officers entered Parliament.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “We have confirmed that we have searched offices in London in connection with the investigation but it is inappropriate to comment any further other than to say that we have gone through all the appropriate and necessary procedures before taking this step.”

In a statement to MPs at the start of yesterday’s sitting, Mr Bercow said: “I should remind members, as did my predecessor in 2008, that the precincts of parliament are not a haven from the law.”