By JOHN TROUP

September 19, 2006

 

POLICE were last night probing allegations that a girl was sexually assaulted at Harry Potter star Rupert Grint’s 18th birthday party.

 

Detectives were called in after the alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, made a complaint.

 

An 18-year-old male party guest has been charged over the claim.

 

The alleged attack is believed to have taken place at the party for flame-haired Rupert in Hertfordshire on Saturday, September 9.

 

Dozens of guests attended the bash for the actor, who has earned a fortune playing boy wizard Harry’s faithful sidekick Ron Weasley in a string of Potter movies.

 

The star is said to have been horrified to learn of the alleged incident.

 

Last night a spokeswoman for Hertfordshire Police said that following the claim an 18-year-old man from the county had been charged with serious sexual offences.

 

She said: “I can confirm we are investigating an allegation of serious sexual assault on September 9.

 

“Joshua Lodge, an 18-year-old man from Hertford, has been charged with sexual assault.

 

“He is due to appear before Hertford Magistrates Court at a date yet to be confirmed.”

 

 

Rupert landed the role of Ron aged just 11 after watching an appeal for people to play the part on BBC TV’s Newsround.

 

He impressed the selection panel by wearing a skirt to impersonate one of his female teachers.

 

He turned 18 on August 24 but his busy schedule meant his party was held later.

 

Rupert is currently completing filming on the fifth Harry Potter movie, The Order of the Phoenix.

 

He will then begin work on the penultimate instalment of author JK Rowling’s series, The Half-Blood Prince.

 

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006430401,00.html

:stunned: