Adam Johnson returns to Sunderland training as club lift his suspension following arrest for allegedly having sex with an underage girl

The England winger's bail was extended to 23 April yesterday

Adam Johnson is back in training with Sunderland (Getty)

Adam Johnson has returned to training with Sunderland after the club lifted his suspension following his arrest.

The 27-year-old midfielder was suspended by the Black Cats earlier this month following his arrest on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16, but will now be free to resume while the police investigation continues.

A club statement said: "The club has discussed the current position in detail with both the PFA [Professional Footballers' Association] and Adam's representatives.

"In line with those discussions we recognise that the player is entitled to re-commence his duties with the club while the legal process continues. He will therefore return to training.

"The club's own investigation cannot continue until the conclusion of the legal process. Sunderland AFC will make no further comment on the matter due to the ongoing police investigation."

Durham Police later confirmed that investigation remains "very much live and ongoing" and reiterated its warning to social media users about the dangers of identifying the alleged victims of sexual offences.

A statement said: "Sunderland AFC informed us this morning of their decision, which of course is a matter entirely for the club. The police investigation remains very much live and ongoing and a man remains on bail while enquiries continue.

"We would once again urge those posting on social media to be aware of the effects their comments can have. We accept rumour and speculation may be inevitable, but many of the comments have been distressing to the complainant, her family and people connected with the investigation."

Former England international Johnson has not played for the club since the 2-0 Premier League defeat at Manchester United on February 28, but could now be in line to make a contribution at West Ham on Saturday.

He was arrested at his County Durham home on March 2 and questioned at Peterlee Police Station before being released on bail until March 18. However, that period was extended until April 23 on Tuesday.

News of the player's impending return came during another tumultuous week at the Stadium of Light, during which head coach Gus Poyet was shown the door and replaced in the short term by 67-year-old Dutchman Dick Advocaat.

Poyet departed in the wake of Saturday's 4-0 home defeat by Aston Villa, which left Sunderland sitting just a point above the relegation zone with nine games to play.