A number of Brighton & Hove Albion players and a Bournemouth player have been arrested in suspicion of sexual assault.

Six men, aged between 18 and 24, were detained by police for their alleged involvement in an incident that occurred last July in Brighton.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "All have been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and taken to different custody centres in Sussex, where they will be questioned in relation to an alleged sexual assault on a woman in July last year.

"This was reported at the time and the suspects were identified on Friday last week, leading to these arrests."

Brighton released a statement which said: "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. The club will make no further comment at this stage."

Four of the players in question were held by police until 4.20am today after they were identified on Friday, while a fifth man was arrested in the city this morning, as well as another player in Dorset.