Top model is 'raped after drink is spiked' at exclusive London nightclub

Police are investigating the alleged rape of a model who believes her drink was spiked at a Park Lane nightclub popular with young royals.

The 18-year-old says she felt dizzy and disorientated and was led down to the cellar area of the Whisky Mist club at the Hilton Hotel where the attack took place.

She claims a 23-year-old man she had met previously at the club gave her the Rohypnol-style 'date rape' drug before sexually assaulting her.

She went to the police the next day and the man was arrested later that day by officers from Westminster's Operation Sapphire unit which specialises in rape cases.

He was bailed to return later this month pending further enquiries.

The model, who is a regular at top designers' shows in London, New York, Milan and Paris, said the alleged rape happened when she went to the club last Wednesday evening.

A close friend said: 'She was having a drink at the bar and enjoying herself. She was also given a drink by the guy she says went on to rape her. Then she suddenly felt dizzy and disorientated.

'She has a hazy memory of what happened but is convinced she was spiked with some kind of drug.

'She was then led downstairs into the cellar area, where wine and drinks are stored, and says she was raped.

'After that, she remembers coming upstairs in the club and realising something dreadful had happened.'

The friend added: 'She is in pieces. She can't stop crying and is frightened of every shadow.'

CCTV has been taken from Whisky Mist, which only opened a month ago.

Last night, a club worker said: 'The police investigation could be really damaging to the reputation of the club. We are co-operating fully.'

A spokeswoman for Whisky Mist said today: 'The matter is being investigated and we cannot comment any further at this time.'

Whisky Mist, owned by the people behind Mahiki, another popular royal haunt, already boasts Prince Harry, girlfriend Chelsy Davy and Princess Beatrice as regulars.

Prince William's girlfriend Kate Middleton was photographed leaving the club after the Nelson Mandela 90th birthday concert 12 days ago.

Other celebrities spotted at Whisky Mist include Guy Ritchie and US singer Kid Rock, who cancelled his appearance at the Download Festival last month after he allegedly attended a late-night event at the bar.