Morris suspended by Leeds over attack probe

Leeds footballer Jody Morris was suspended by the club today after being arrested by police over an alleged serious sexual assault in a lay-by.

Morris, 24, was questioned on Tuesday and was held overnight by police investigating allegations made by a 20-year-old woman.

Police today said a taxi driver could have witnessed the alleged attack in the early hours of Tuesday morning as he drove past the lay-by on the A58 near Collingham, West Yorkshire.

The Barclaycard Premiership club said Morris was suspended following a meeting with the player and his solicitor this morning.

“In accordance with the standard provisions of the player’s contract of employment, he has been suspended for up to 14 days to enable the club to conduct an internal investigation,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, team-mate Seth Johnson tonight issued a statement through his spokesman saying he had helped police with their inquiries following the alleged attack.

“He was happy to assist the police with their investigation,” the statement said. “He had no involvement in the alleged offence. He was not in the car when the alleged incident occurred.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman appealed to the taxi driver to come forward.

“At about 1.30am on Tuesday, October 7, a taxi containing three women passengers passed the alleged scene which was a lay-by on the A58, a quarter of a mile from Collingham,” he said.

“The taxi was travelling towards Collingham and we believe the driver may be a material witness.”

A second man, who is not believed to be a footballer, has also been released on police bail pending further inquiries.