Bramble held in sex assault and drug arrest

The Sunderland defender was being held for questioning by Cleveland Police following an incident in the early hours of Tuesday.

A force spokeswoman said: “A 30-year-old man from Wynyard has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and possession of a class A drug.

“He is currently being questioned by police and inquiries are ongoing.”

The football club said it was making inquiries but did not want to say anything more at this time.

A Sunderland spokesman said: “The club is looking into this matter but due to ongoing police investigations is unable to comment further at this stage.”

Bramble’s career began at his home town club, Ipswich, before he moved to Newcastle United under Sir Bobby Robson for £6 million.

He went on to join Wigan Athletic and then moved back to the North East with Sunderland last year.