A former England footballer has been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape after being stopped at passport control at Stanstead Airport, it is reported.
The ex-Premier League ace was said to have been held before he could catch a budget flight out of the country on Sunday evening. It follows a complaint by the star’s ex-partner several weeks ago, leading to an investigation by Essex Police.
She alleged that he attempted to rape her during their relationship, the Sun reports. Police said he was bailed pending further inquiries.
The unnamed star was stopped by Border Force guards after his details showed police wanted to speak to him in connection with a non-recent allegation of attempted rape reported by a former partner.
A 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.”
Officers from Essex Police were alerted and travelled to Stansted Airport to arrest the suspect, who cannot be named for legal reasons. He was driven to a local police station where his fingerprints, DNA sample and mugshot were taken.
He was quizzed by detectives and held for several hours before being released on bail pending further inquiries. The airport arrest sparked confusion as he is known to have attended recent public events.
(Image: Getty Images)
A source said: “It’s bizarre that he was arrested at the airport when he has been quite visible in public recently.”
His accuser is said to have been interviewed by specialist sex crimes officers and offered counselling and support.
A spokesman for 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.”
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