Ben FreemanEmmerdale star Ben Freeman has been released on £5,000 bail after being arrested and charged with raping a 16 year old girl at a holiday resort in Barbados.

The 26 year old British soap star was arrested on Wednesday after the alleged attack took place in the early hours of the morning at the Almond Beach Village complex.

The pair had become friends earlier in the week and had been seen drinking together on Tuesday night. The incident is said to have taken place on a sun lounger around 3am on Wednesday morning. The girl’s parents filed a complaint which led to Freeman’s arrest.

Freeman, who was holidaying with his family, has had his passport seized and been ordered not to leave Barbados. He is currently in hiding on the island with his lawyer.

He will appear before the magistrates in Bridgetown tomorrow and could face a custodial sentence for life if found guilty.

An Emmerdale spokesperson refused to comment on the case other than to say: “Ben has been in touch with the producer who is aware of the situation.”

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has confirmed that a charge has been made: “A female British national has reported an alleged rape. That was reported to the Barbadian police on Wednesday 29 November.”

“The accused is also a British national and we can confirm his details. The next of kin are aware and both individuals are receiving consular assistance.”