A TV sports presenter has been arrested on suspicion of raping a child, The Sun on Sunday can reveal.

Police carried out a 4am raid on the ­married telly host’s home earlier this week.

A search of the property in southern England was carried out and computer devices and documents taken away for examination.

The man was questioned by detectives and held in custody for around 18 hours before being released on bail pending further enquiries.

The rape all­egation is historical and involves a child who was under ten years of age at the time.

It is alleged the child was raped on more than one occasion over a period of time.

At the time of the alleged offence, the well-known suspect, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was working in the television industry.

His bosses have been made aware of the police investigation and his arrest — but it was thought that the presenter’s TV colleagues were unaware.

The complainant made the allegation recently and it was reported to police.

She was interviewed by specialist child abuse investigation officers at a dedicated suite and an investigation was launched.

The police force conducting the investigation confirmed the arrest.

Police were expected to conduct further inquiries into his background as part of their investigation.

A neighbour of the man arrested 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 Sun on Sunday had approached the presenter’s employers for comment.