Premier League footballer Dominic Vose has been arrested on suspicion of raping a 16-year-old girl.
The 17-year-old West Ham midfielder was interviewed by detectives over an alleged sex attack at a party.
The girl claims she was set upon at a property in Herne Hill, south London, last month, sources said.
Vose, who recently won his first professional contract after being signed for West Ham from Fulham, has been bailed until June.
Officers interviewed Vose last month, taking a DNA swab and fingerprints.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Officers are investigating an allegation of rape that occurred at an address in Lambeth on Saturday March 26.
"The victim is a 16-year-old girl.
"A 17-year-old male was arrested by appointment on Sunday March 27 in connection with the investigation.
"He was subsequently bailed to return to a south London police station in June pending further inquiries."
Tipped as a bright young England hope, Vose signed professional terms with the Hammers shortly after he turned 17 last November.
The club beat Arsenal and Manchester United to secure the teenager's signature.
He has said he wants to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard who became England regulars after coming through the ranks at the London club.
Speaking of his hopes for the future, the attacking midfielder previously said: "Everyone around me is happy for me and I am happy for myself. My family have been right behind me.
"I wanted to sign for West Ham because there is a path here for young players."