Victoria Police interview four men in Sydney Swans hotel incident investigation

Victoria police say they interviewed four people this week as part of the investigation into an alleged sexual assault at a Melbourne hotel where the Sydney Swans were staying last month.

In a release on Wednesday, police confirmed detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad travelled to New South Wales earlier this week to speak with four Sydney men aged between 25 and 30.

Police said that they have also identified three others believed to be in the hotel room at the time of the alleged incident, but they were being treated solely as witnesses.

“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 police statement read.

Police said that three women made a report following the alleged incident in the early hours of 17 August.

Separate to the investigation, Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon were stood down for the rest of the AFL season by the Swans for breaching the club’s standards, including drinking and bringing women back to their hotel.

No one has been arrested or charged and the five players have reportedly denied any criminal wrongdoing.

Police said they do not anticipate any further updates on the matter for eight weeks.

The Swans issued a statement acknowledging the police update and reiterated the wellbeing of those allegedly 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,” the statement read.

“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.”

Wednesday’s police statement again warned media about their behaviour in the high-profile matter.

“We are continuing to receive a significant number of enquiries in relation to this investigation and while we understand the interest in the matter, again we are not going to provide running commentary or information about the specific circumstances of the investigation,” the statement read.

“Finally, we again ask that media are respectful of all those involved and in particular remind you again of your responsibilities with regards to the complainants, including not publishing any details that may identify those complainants involved.”