Adam Johnson charged: Sunderland and England footballer charged with sexual offences involving child under 16 and 'grooming'

Johnson was arrested in March over the allegations

Adam Johnson at Sunderland in 2012 (GETTY IMAGES)

England footballer Adam Johnson has been charged with three offences of sexual activity and one of grooming, allegedly committed on a 15-year-old girl.

Johnson, 27, attended Peterlee police station with his solicitor in County Durham to answer bail, according to Durham Police.

The Sunderland winger was initially arrested at his mansion in Castle Eden in March, and will appear at Peterlee Magistrates' Court in County Durham next month.

Johnson, who has played for England 12 times, was temporarily suspended from Sunderland following his arrest.

After his bail was previously extended by police, it was decided that Johnson should be allowed to return to the club while the investigation continued.

As part of the investigation, police are understood to have raided the dressing rooms at the Stadium of Light and Sunderland's training ground, Sportsmail reported.

Gerry Wareham, CPS Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North East, said he believed there was a realistic prospect of conviction and it was in the public interest for Johnson to be charged.

"The offences are alleged to have been committed on one girl aged 15 at the time," he said, adding: "The alleged offences date from 30 December 2014 to 26 February 2015."

He went on to stress that it is important "there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings" and that the complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under the law.

Following Johnson's detention, police reminded members of the public that it is a crime to identify anyone who may or may not be a victim of a sexual crime.

Durham Constabulary, which is investigating the allegations against Johnson, said in a statement in March that those who flouted the law would face the consequences.

"Anyone who identifies someone who may or may not be a victim of a sexual offence is committing a criminal act, Durham Constabulary has reiterated," it said.

Born in Sunderland, Johnson started his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City. In 2012, Sunderland handed over £10 million for the player.

Additional reporting by PA