A well-known TV sports presenter has allegedly been arrested on suspicion of raping a child, it has been reported.

The presenter, who along with the victim cannot be identified for legal reasons, was arrested during a 4am police raid at his home, The Sun reports.

It is claimed the man raped a child under the age of 10 on several occasions over a period of time.

The man was quizzed for more than 18 hours after the search of his property and officers seized computer devices and documents for further examination, it is claimed.

The man remains on bail pending further inquiries, according to the report.

It is claimed the alleged offences are historical and the man’s employer has been contacted about them.

At the time of the alleged offences, the suspect was reportedly working in the television industry.

The alleged victim reported the matter to police recently and was interviewed by specialist child abuse investigation officers amid the investigation into the allegations, the report states.

Officers are reportedly expected to conduct further inquiries into his background.

Commenting on the police raid, a neighbour of the man, said: “The police turned up very early. They took him away and were there for a while ­carrying out a search. Everyone is shocked at his arrest.”

The force which has launched the investigation confirmed the man’s arrest to The Sun.

The paper also said it contacted the man’s employers for comment.