Ashley Cole 'arrested for drunk and disorderly'

Chelsea and England footballer Ashley Cole was arrested earlier today after a drunken confrontation with police according to reports.

The 28-year-old left back, who is married to Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole, was detained following a foul-mouthed rant at police officers in west London according to the reports.

The incident happened at about 2.15am as Cole left Collection nightclub in Brompton Road, South Kensington. It is reported he repeatedly swore at police and when he refused to calm down, was detained.

The reports suggest Cole was released after three hours and was issued with an £80 fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We can confirm a 28-year-old man was arrested at approximately 2.15am in Brompton Road on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

"He was taken to a central London police station where he was issued with a fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly and released shortly after 5.30am."

A spokesperson for Chelsea said: "We are aware that Ashley was detained last night. We will want to establish all the facts before commenting."