Police are investigating claims that a 26-year-old woman was raped at a hotel where Manchester United footballers were holding a party.

The alleged assault occurred at the Great John Street Hotel in Manchester in the early hours of the Tuesday morning.

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police are currently investigating a report of rape at a hotel in Manchester city centre.

"At about 4.15am on Tuesday, December 18th 2007, police were called to the hotel on Great John Street to a report that a 26-year-old woman had been raped.

"Inquiries are continuing."

A hotel spokeswoman said: "We did have an event on Monday night. We're helping the police with an investigation. We're currently closed but hoping to open this evening."

Police are refusing to confirm or deny the involvement of any players in the incident at the city centre hotel but are continuing inquiries.

The property is a boutique hotel converted from a Victorian schoolhouse, situated in the upmarket Castlefield area of Manchester.