A Premier League footballer valued at around £60 million was allegedly threatened with a gun during a late-night confrontation in London, prompting the arrest of a well-known agent linked to several top players, including an England international.
The incident took place on September 6 at around 11.14pm, when the player, who is in his 20s, was walking with a friend along a busy street in the capital.
According to The Sun, the pair were approached by a man who is accused of brandishing a firearm and making threats.
Both the player and his companion managed to escape unharmed and immediately alerted authorities.
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Detectives later arrested a 31-year-old agent on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
The man, whose name cannot be disclosed for legal reasons, was also detained on suspicion of blackmail and making threats against the footballer’s friend.
He has not been charged but remains under investigation.
A football agent has been arrested, but hasn't been charged, following the incident in London
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Two days after the alleged attack, police officers raided the agent’s £2million home in Hertfordshire, where he was taken into custody.
He was later released on bail with strict conditions, including a ban on contacting the footballer directly or visiting the player’s club training ground.
A source close to the investigation described the ordeal as “a terrifying incident and one which has sent shockwaves through the business side of football.”
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The insider added: “The player was understandably shaken up — to have threats made against you with a gun is shocking.
“He reported it right away, which was the right thing to do for his safety.
“He has been supported by his friends and club, and they hope this will not affect his performances. But there will be serious questions about why this happened, which the police are now trying to answer.”
Court documents confirm that the suspect’s bail was granted on September 9, with additional travel restrictions imposed.
The agent was initially forbidden from leaving the country but successfully applied for a variation to his bail conditions at a magistrates’ court last month.
He was temporarily allowed to travel abroad for pre-arranged commitments after requesting the return of his passport but is required to surrender it again upon returning to the UK next month.
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Scotland Yard has confirmed that the Metropolitan Police are leading the investigation.
In a statement, a spokesman said: “Officers were called at 23:14hrs on Friday, 6 September, to reports of an altercation involving a firearm in central London. No injuries were reported.
“A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and on suspicion of blackmail. He has been bailed pending further inquiries.”
The identity of the Premier League player remains confidential for legal and safety reasons.
Sources have told the newspaper his club has provided full support as officers continue to establish the motive behind the confrontation and the relationship between those involved.