An aide to Thanet South MP Craig Mackinlay is being investigated after a second sex attack allegation was made against him, it has been revealed.

Sam Armstrong, 23, had already been arrested and bailed for the alleged rape of a young woman in Parliament.

In an interview with the Mail on Sunday, a woman claims Mr Armstrong assaulted her in a Thanet pub in the middle of the general election campaign last year.

Police say the alleged incident was reported to them on Thursday.

Met Police spokesman Jake Alexander said: "Officers from the Met's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command are investigating an allegation of sexual touching at a location in Kent.

"There have been no arrests and investigations are ongoing."

The first incident is alleged to have taken place in an office building after a drinking session on the House of Lords Terrace overlooking the River Thames.

Mr Armstrong has been bailed until January while police continue their inquiries.

After Mr Amstrong's arrest, a spokesman for Mr Mackinlay’s office said: “Mr Mackinlay was made aware of an allegation against a staff member and granted permission for the police to access his Westminster office.

“Mr Mackinlay is monitoring the situation and awaits further details from the police and parliamentary authorities.”

A Commons spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident on the parliamentary estate which is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police.

"Parliament is working closely with the police on their investigation and we cannot comment further while this is ongoing.”