A former England and Premier League footballer has been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape.
The suspect was stopped at passport control at Stansted Airport after an ex-partner reported the alleged assault.
He played for the England team in the 2010s.
Police said he is wanted over a non-recent allegation of attempted rape and has been bailed pending further inquiries.
A source told The Sun: ‘He was walking through passport control when he was discreetly pulled aside by Border Force.
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‘There was clearly an issue and he was led away.’
It is understood the allegation was made several weeks ago, with the alleged assault occurring during the relationship with his ex-partner.
Officers took fingerprints and DNA samples, and held the footballer for several hours.
He cannot be named for legal reasons.
Essex Police said: ‘A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape and has been bailed to a date in late February 2026 while we continue our enquiries.’
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