No charges for Liverpool midfielder Downing

Liverpool player Stewart Downing will not face charges after he was arrested last month on suspicion of assault, police said.

The 27-year-old winger was held for questioning following an alleged incident at the Cross Keys pub in Yarm, Teesside, at around 1am on January 8.

A 32-year-old woman also arrested at the time on suspicion of assault remains on police bail.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “A 27-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of assault following an alleged incident at a pub on Yarm High Street has been released without charge.

“A 32-year-old woman who was also arrested on suspicion of assault remains on bail pending further inquiries.

“Inquiries are ongoing.”

Downing played for his hometown club Middlesbrough before moving to Aston Villa and then Liverpool.

He was believed to be visiting friends and family who remained on Teesside at the time of the incident.