A former England and Premier League footballer has been arrested at Stansted airport on suspicion of attempted rape, it has been reported.
The former player was detained after an allegation from an ex-partner and has since been bailed pending further inquiries, according to The Sun.
The suspect, who played for England in the 2010s, was stopped at a passport control point in the airport and pulled aside by Border Force before he could board his flight on Sunday night.
It is understood that when trying to get through passport control, it was found that he was wanted by police. The allegation — of a non-recent offence, said to have occurred during the relationship — is understood to have been made several weeks ago.
Officers were alerted and travelled to Stansted to arrest the suspect. The individual cannot be named for legal reasons.
Essex police took fingerprints and DNA samples and the footballer was held for several hours before being released on bail pending further inquiries.
The complainant has been interviewed by specialist officers and offered counselling and support.
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.”
One source told The Sun: “He was walking through passport control when he was discreetly pulled aside by Border Force. There was clearly an issue and he was led away.”