An international footballer was arrested in the early hours of Saturday after a violent incident in London’s West End.
This news arrives just days after an ex-England and Premier League star was arrested at the airport on suspicion of rape.
Police detained the player at Stansted Airport after his former partner made allegations against him.
The player also received bail as the police continue their investigation. The player’s identity has not come out in public due to legal reasons.
In the current case, the 29-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons as well, was detained at the scene on suspicion of two counts of assault and one count of affray.
Police confirmed they were called at 00:47 GMT following reports of an attack at Wardour Street in Soho.
The alleged victim was taken to the hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening and non-life-changing.
Officers arrested the player shortly afterwards and transported him for questioning. In a statement, police said (via the BBC):
“A 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault and affray. He has been released on bail while enquiries continue.”
The player’s identity remains protected under UK law.
Following the Leveson Inquiry, police no longer release names of arrested individuals unless there are “exceptional and clearly identified circumstances”.
Usually, a suspect is only publicly named once formal charges are brought.
The investigation remains active, with detectives reviewing witness statements and CCTV footage from the area. Also, the player’s club’s name has not been revealed.
Moreover, the player’s club has not yet issued a comment, and it remains unclear whether any disciplinary action will follow.
The identity of both the player and the club will remain unnamed so that the player can fulfil his professional commitment, which might require travelling as well.
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