Brighton and Bournemouth footballers involved in sexual assault inquiry

London: Five Brighton and Hove Albion footballers and an AFC Bournemouth player have been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a woman.

The five men from Brighton and one from Dorset, questioned by police about an attack in July, have been bailed. Sussex Police said an 18-year-old man, a 19-year-old, two men aged 20 and one aged 24, all from Brighton, and a 20-year-old from Dorset were arrested. They have been released on bail until 21 March, pending further inquiries. Brighton and Hove Albion confirmed earlier that five men associated with the club were arrested. According to the BBC, former Seagulls player Steve Cook, who was signed by Bournemouth for an undisclosed fee at the beginning of January, was the sixth man arrested. However, the identities of the other five men have not been revealed. “Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club can confirm that five men associated with the club are assisting police into the investigation of an alleged offence in July last year,” a spokesman for Brighton was quoted as saying. “The club will make no further comment at this stage,” he said. The Brighton and Hove Albion players were arrested the day after the Championship club, managed by Gus Poyet, beat non-league Wrexham in an FA Cup third round replay. “AFC Bournemouth can confirm that an unnamed player is assisting police with the investigation of an alleged offence in July last year,” an AFC Bournemouth spokesman said. “The club will make no further comment at this stage,” he added. ANI