The police are holding a Libyan man to assist in their investigations into a rape allegation by a Hungarian woman though sources close to the investigation say the claim is questionable.

The woman claimed the man had raped her in the early hours of this morning in Paceville though sources close to the investigations say that preliminary investigations show the woman's claims are "questionable" because the sex appeared "consensual".

Sources said the woman "reeked of alcohol" and that the Libyan man offered no resistance to the police and is helping them with the investigations.

However, friends of the victim said whether the fact she smelt of alcohol was reason enough to dismiss her claims.

Duty magistrate Joe Mifsud launched a magisterial inquiry into the case and appointed court experts Mario Scerri, Martin Bajada, Marisa Cassar and Richard Aquilina to assist him.

Police inspector Matthew Spagnol is leading the investigation.

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