France investigates after soldier says she was raped at presidential palace

French prosecutors have opened an investigation into an alleged rape at the presidential palace in Paris.

Local media report a female soldier has said she was sexually assaulted after a drinks reception at the Élysée palace in July.

President Emmanuel Macron had earlier attended the event, held for departing staff.

The accused – also a soldier – has been questioned, but has not yet been formally charged, reports say.

Both the alleged victim and accused attacker reportedly worked at a high-security staff office in the building, and Libération said they knew each other.

A presidential official told the AFP news agency that “as soon as the authorities were aware of these claims, measures were immediately taken” to support the alleged victim.

Both she and the accused have been moved to other duties, the palace has said. (Text, excluding headline, courtesy BBC)