Former Blue Peter presenter John Leslie has insisted that a new rape allegation against him is "totally untrue".

The new allegation dates back to 13 years ago, when the accuser was in her early 20s. She claims the alleged attack happened at his former home in East Sheen.

Yesterday the 43-year-old former This Morning host condemned "lies about my private life" and said: "I certainly did not attack this person as I have never attacked anyone."

In a statement, he said: "On Monday I attended Teddington police station by appointment. I was arrested on suspicion of a crime that was allegedly committed in 1995.

"I was interviewed for 30 minutes and released on bail. Five years ago I helped the police complete a thorough investigation into malicious claims against me."

Leslie said: "As I was found innocent of all charges, I had hoped that the police would be able to conduct their investigation in confidence, and that I would not be pre-judged.

"Regrettably, as has happened in the past, the details of a private police inquiry have been leaked to the press and once again I face trial by media.

"It is thus with a mixture of anger and distress that I am forced to talk yet again about lies about my private life, lies that destroyed my public career."

Leslie said the accusation was "totally untrue" and "if I sound bitter, it is because I am".

He said the lies "that destroyed my public career in 2003 ... now threaten the private life which I have been happy to lead since then".

Scotland Yard previously confirmed a man in his 40s was questioned by detectives over an allegation of rape and sexual assault in November 1995.