Downing arrested for alleged assault

Liverpool midfielder Stewart Downing has been arrested on suspicion of assault.

It is alleged that the 27-year-old hit his ex-girlfriend in a row at a nightspot near Middlesbrough, one of Downing’s former clubs and his place of birth.

The incident is reported to have occurred early on Sunday (UK time) and both the player and his ex-girlfriend remained in police cells overnight before an investigation was launched.

“Police were called to an incident at a pub in Yarm High Street shortly before 1am,” a Cleveland Police spokesman said.

“A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and 32-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assault.”

“Both are in police custody and inquiries are ongoing.”

Downing, who has made 32 appearances for England, cost Liverpool a reported fee of 18 million pounds from Aston Villa last July.