Premiership footballer Joey Barton is in police custody in connection with an allegation of assault.

The 25-year-old Newcastle United player was one of three people arrested in Liverpool in the early hours of Thursday morning.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "Two males aged 25 and 19 and a women aged 27 were arrested at 5.30am today on Church Street in Liverpool City Centre following an allegation of assault.

"All three remain in custody for interview and processing and I expect a decision on charges or release will be made later."

Barton missed Newcastle's game on Boxing Day due to an ankle injury and is believed to have travelled to Liverpool for a night out in the city.

According to reports, a complaint was made by two men who said they had been attacked by Barton and his companions.

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