England star Ben Foden arrested on suspicion of criminal damage

(GETTY IMAGES)

England international Ben Foden has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in the early hours of Monday morning, it emerged today.

The Northampton full-back, 25, was allegedly involved in an altercation while out celebrating Sunday's Aviva Premiership win over Wasps in central London.

Foden and a 23-year-old man were detained overnight before being bailed pending further enquiries yesterday.

They both must report to a police station early next month.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Police were called to reports of an altercation in Old Park Lane at approximately 3.30am on Monday, March 28.

"A 25-year-old man has been arrested for criminal damage.

"A 23-year-old man has been arrested for theft.

"Both were taken to a central London police station and subsequently bailed pending further inquiries to a date in early April."

Northampton have refused to comment on the matter while the Rugby Football Union (RFU) are looking into the claims and are expected to make a statement later today.

Foden's representatives were unavailable for comment when contacted.

The former Sale Sharks man has become a regular at 15 for England over the last 12 months and played all five games of this year's victorious RBS 6 Nations campaign.

He scored the only try in England's 17-9 victory over France at Twickenham last month and has 15 caps to his name.

The RFU announced this afternoon that they would look into the alleged incident before deciding whether to open their own disciplinary proceedings against the Chester-born back.

An RFU spokesman said: "We are aware of the allegations but at the current time this is a matter for the player and his club and we are working with them to understand the facts of the situation.

"We will wait to see the outcome of any police investigation before deciding if further action is required."

Northampton later released their own statement which read: "Northampton Saints takes any such allegations very seriously and is conducting its own investigation to ascertain all the facts of the alleged incident.

"The club is working with Ben Foden and his representatives, the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby and will continue to do so during the investigation process.

"Both Northampton Saints and Ben Foden will also continue to co-operate with all the relevant authorities."