England footballer Adam Johnson in underage sex arrest

A statement by Sunderland said: “Sunderland AFC has confirmed that Adam Johnson has been suspended from the club, pending the outcome of a police investigation. No further comment will be made at the present time.”

Johnson had been due to travel with the rest of the squad to Humberside this afternoon ahead of tomorrow night’s Barclays Premier League fixture at Hull.

A Durham Police statement said: “A 27-year-old man was arrested earlier today on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16.

“He remains in police custody and is helping officers with their enquiries.”

Johnson, who is 27 years old, has represented England 12 times. He joined Sunderland in 2012 from Manchester City. He previously played for Middlesbrough.