City defender Richards arrested over assault

Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards has been arrested on suspicion of assault after an incident outside a nightclub in northwest England, police said yesterday.

The 20-year-old was questioned after going to a police station by appointment on Wednesday.

He was interviewed over an allegation of assault outside a nightclub in Hale, in the south of the city, in the early hours of Christmas Eve.

"The man was arrested on suspicion of Section 47 assault," Greater Manchester Police said in a statement which referred to the specific part of the Offences Against the Person Act used to make the arrest.

"He has been bailed until April 8 pending further inquiries."

The maximum jail sentence for anyone convicted of the offence in a crown court is five years or six months if the case is dealt with by a lower level magistrates court.

Richards' agent and a Manchester City spokeswoman were not immediately available for comment. However, a club spokesman was reported as saying Richards "vigorously denies any involvement".

"He is fully co-operating with the police with their inquiries," the spokesman said. "I would like to point out that he has not been charged with any offence and denies any involvement.

"The investigation continues and the club remains fully supportive."