PARIS - French police investigators have taken a statement from a French writer who contends former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn tried to rape her.

Tristane Banon brought a criminal complaint last week, and the Paris prosecutor's office has opened a preliminary investigation into the allegations. Banon contends Strauss-Kahn attacked her in an empty apartment during a 2003 interview.

A judicial official speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with French judicial regulations said police heard from Banon on Monday.

Strauss-Kahn left the IMF after his May arrest in New York over allegations he assaulted a hotel maid there. He denies wrongdoing and was released without bail after prosecutors said the maid has a history of lying.