Rape trial footballer Nile Ranger arrested

Ex-Newcastle United striker 'was held on suspicion of breach of bail conditions'

Nile Ranger has been arrested for allegedly breaching his bail conditions (GETTY IMAGES)

A former Premier League footballer was arrested on suspicion of breaching his bail conditions in relation to an upcoming rape trial.

Ex-Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger, 22, was arrested in the early hours of yesterday morning.

He was reportedly held outside Newcastle's Tup Tup Palace Nightclub at 2.30am.

Northumbria Police said he later appeared before magistrates in the city before being released on conditional bail.

Ranger, who now plays for Swindon Town in League One, is due in court later this month. He denies raping a woman at a hotel in Newcastle in January last year.

Magistrates at a previous court appearance granted him bail, but he was ordered to stay out of the Northumbria Police area.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "A 22-year-old male was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday morning on suspicion of breach of bail conditions.

"He appeared at Newcastle Magistrates Court and was readmitted on conditional bail."

In a statement last night Swindon Town said Ranger had been given time off to meet his lawyers in Newcastle ahead of his court case and he was expected to return to the club today.

It said: "Following earlier media reports, Swindon Town can confirm that Nile Ranger has not been found to be in breach of any of his bail conditions.

"Nile was given permission by the club to have time off yesterday and today to consult with his legal counsel up in Newcastle ahead of his upcoming court case.

"This consultation was due to resume today. He is expected to return to the club tomorrow, as previously agreed."