A former England international who played in the Premier League has been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape after being intercepted by Border Force officers at a UK airport.
The retired player, whose identity cannot be disclosed for legal reasons, was detained as he prepared to board a budget flight over the weekend.
His arrest followed an allegation made several weeks earlier by a former partner, prompting Essex Police to launch an investigation.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the former player was moving through the passport control area when officials quietly diverted him for further checks.
One witness 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.”
It is said that his details flagged an active police interest relating to a non-recent claim of attempted rape said to have taken place during an earlier relationship.
The footballer played for England during the 2010s
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Officers from Essex Police were notified and travelled to the airport, where the suspect was taken into custody.
He was then transported to a local police station for processing, including the collection of fingerprints, a DNA sample and a custody photograph.
Standard procedures were followed, and he remained in a cell while his legal representative was contacted and detectives prepared for interview.
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The footballer played in the Premier League. He cannot be named for legal reasons
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The former international, who represented England during the 2010s, was questioned for several hours before being released on bail.
Police have confirmed he must report back in late February 2026 as inquiries continue.
The force offered no further detail regarding timelines or potential next steps, noting that investigations of this nature typically involve extensive evidential and safeguarding processes.
The arrest has raised eyebrows in sporting circles due to the player’s recent public visibility.
Although no longer active on the pitch, he is reported to have made a series of appearances at events and engagements in recent months.
One source, reacting to the timing of the airport intervention, said: “It’s bizarre that he was arrested at the airport when he has been quite visible in public recently.”
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWSThe circumstances have contributed to speculation about how long authorities had been preparing to speak to him and whether the airport encounter was pre-planned or triggered by a routine alert.
Meanwhile, the complainant has already been interviewed by specialist officers trained to support survivors of sexual offences.
Police sources say she has been offered counselling services, in line with standard protocol for complainants in cases involving allegations of serious sexual misconduct.
Officers have been gathering corroborative material and conducting background checks as part of what is expected to be a detailed and ongoing inquiry.
Essex Police issued a brief statement confirming the arrest: “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.”
No indication has been given as to when a charging decision might be made, and the force emphasised that investigations of this type can take significant time as evidence is assessed.