A former England and Premier League footballer was arrested on Sunday at Stansted Airport on suspicion of attempted rape, according to reports that he was detained at a passport control point as he prepared to board a flight.
The player, who represented the Three Lions during the 2010s and cannot be named for legal reasons, was stopped by Border Force officers after checks indicated he was wanted by police in connection with a non recent allegation. The Sun first reported the arrest.
In a statement, an Essex Police spokesperson 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.”
The arrest is understood to have taken place at the airport’s passport control area, where officers prevented the player from leaving the country.
No further details have been released while the investigation continues.
