LONDON (AP) - The Speaker of the British House of Commons said the police have searched a legislator's office in relation to a serious offence that could lead to arrest.

Mr John Bercow told Parliament on Monday that a member's office had been searched under the terms of a warrant issued in Preston Crown Court in northern England.

Mr Bercow and the police refused to name the Member of Parliament whose premises were searched. But the British media identified him as Mr Nigel Evans, who was serving as deputy speaker when he was arrested on May 4 on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.

Mr Evans, 55, has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged.

He has stopped carrying out his duties as deputy speaker while the police investigate the allegations against him.