Victoria Police have confirmed investigations are continuing after detectives travelled to Sydney this week to interview four Sydney Swans players regarding an alleged sexual assault at a Melbourne hotel.
The investigation stems from an incident in the early hours of August 17, following reports made by three women.
In addition to interviewing the four men in NSW, investigators confirmed they have also spoken to three others who were present in the hotel room and are currently being treated as witnesses.
“Investigators also spoke to or will speak to three men believed to be in the hotel room at the time of the incident, who are being treated solely as witnesses at this time” Victoria Police said.
“Police now believe they have now identified all parties who were in the room at the time of the alleged incident and are not looking for anyone further.
“The investigation into the circumstances remains active and ongoing”.
The alleged incident has sent shockwaves through the AFL, forcing the Sydney Swans to suspend five players including Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice, and James Jordon for the remainder of the season for breaking club standards.
Responding to the police update, the Swans released a statement of their own, noting that no charges have been laid.
“The Sydney Swans acknowledge the statement made today by Victoria Police regarding an alleged incident at the Pullman Hotel on Monday 17 August,” the statement said.
“The wellbeing of those impacted remains of paramount importance.
“We note that no charges have been laid and that police have indicated the process may take some time to run its course.
“As it remains a police investigation, it is not appropriate to comment further.
“The Club again extends its sincere apologies to our members and fans, sponsors and the wider community, along with all of our staff and players across both the women’s and men’s programs, for the distress and disappointment this matter has caused.”
