Adam Johnson has been released on bail after this morning being arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16.
The BBC reported this afternoon that Sunderland winger and England international Adam Johnson had been arrested as the police probe allegations the player had sex with a 15-year-old girl.
The Metro and The Sun initially reported that an unnamed player was arrested at his home at 9.15am this morning and that a loaded, but legally held, gun was also found at the house.
BBC reporter Dan Roan later confirmed the identity of the player arrested.
England & Sunderland footballer Adam Johnson arrested on suspicion of sex with 15-year-old schoolgirl
— Dan Roan (@danroan) March 2, 2015
Breaking: Durham Police confirm to us a 27 year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl aged under 16
— Dan Roan (@danroan) March 2, 2015
An update this evening from ITV news reports that a police officer confirmed that the 27-year-old had been bailed and was no longer at the Peterlee police station.
Sunderland have suspended Johnson while the police continue their investigations.