Sunderland footballer Adam Johnson has been arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16, sources have said.
The player was reportedly arrested at his home this morning.
The England international remains in custody after his arrest and Durham Constabulary said he continues to help them with their inquiries.
A police spokesman said: “A 27-year-old man was arrested earlier today on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16. He remains in police custody and is helping officers with their inquiries.”
Born in Sunderland, the winger has represented his country 12 times and also played for Middlesbrough and Manchester City.
Sunderland later confirmed Johnson had been suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation.
He had been due to travel with the rest of the squad to Humberside this afternoon for tomorrow night’s Premier League fixture at Hull.
Johnson cost Sunderland £10m in 2012. He has scored 17 times for the club, including goals in each of the club’s three derby victories at Newcastle in as many seasons.