Adam Johnson on bail ‘pending inquiry’

England footballer Adam Johnson has been bailed until the middle of the month after police arrested him on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16.

The Sunderland player was questioned by police on Monday following the allegation involving a girl who is believed to be 15 years old.

He has been suspended by the club, pending the outcome of the police investigation.

Durham Constabulary said on Monday night a 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16 years had been released on bail “pending ongoing investigations”.

The force has since said he will answer bail on March 18.

There was no answer at his gated modern mansion which is screened by trees in the pleasant Co Durham village of Castle Eden.

Johnson, who was questioned at Peterlee police station in Co Durham, had been due to travel with the Sunderland squad to Humberside for last night’s Barclays Premier League fixture at Hull.

The winger, born in Sunderland in July 1987, has represented his country 12 times and also played for Middlesbrough and Manchester City.