A former England international footballer has been arrested at London Stansted Airport on suspicion of attempted rape. The ex-Premier League star, who played for the national team in the 2010s, was detained by Border Force officers on Sunday evening as he attempted to board a flight.
According to reports, the footballer was stopped at passport control after it emerged he was wanted in connection with a non-recent allegation made by a former partner. Essex Police launched an investigation after the woman reported that he allegedly attempted to rape her during their relationship.
Officers were alerted to the player's whereabouts and travelled to Stansted to make the arrest. The suspect, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was taken to a local police station where his fingerprints, DNA sample, and mugshot were taken. He was held overnight in a cell before being released on bail pending further enquiries.
A witness described the arrest as discreet, with the footballer being pulled aside by Border Force as he walked through passport control. The complainant has been interviewed by specialist sex crimes officers and has been offered counselling and support.
Essex Police confirmed: '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.'
