Emiliano Sala: Man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over death of Cardiff City footballer

Argentinian forward died after plane carrying him to UK from France crashed into England Channel

A 64-year-old man from North Yorkshire has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act in connection with the death of Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala, Dorset Police said.

Sala, 28, died when the private aircraft carrying him from Nantes to Cardiff crash-landed into the English Channel north of Guernsey on 21 January.

His body was later recovered and brought to Portland Port in Dorset but 59-year-old pilot David Ibbotson, who was flying the plane, remains missing.

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), said: “We have carried out a wide-ranging investigation into the circumstances of the death of Mr Sala and continue to work with partner agencies including the Civil Aviation Authority.

“As part of this investigation we have to consider whether there is any evidence of any suspected criminality and as a result of our enquiries we have today, Wednesday 19 June 2019, arrested a 64-year-old man from the North Yorkshire area on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act.

“He is assisting with our enquiries and has been released from custody under investigation.

“This matter therefore is still subject to a live investigation and I would ask the media and members of the public to refrain from speculation, as this could cause additional distress to the families involved as well as potentially hinder the investigation.

“As is standard practice, we will not be releasing any further information as to the identity of the individual who has been arrested unless that person is charged to appear in court and again would discourage any speculation in relation to this.”

Earlier this month, Wiltshire Police said two people would face charges over a photograph showing Sala at the Holly Tree Lodge mortuary in Bournemouth.

Sherry Bray, 48, has been summonsed for three counts of computer misuse, perverting the court of justice and sending an indecent/offensive message.

Christopher Ashford, 62, has been summonsed in relation to six counts of computer misuse.

The pair, who were arrested in February, will appear before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 10 July.

Additional reporting by PA