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England star Ben Stokes arrested after incident following night out in Bristol on Monday, ECB announce

England’s Ben Stokes during the Third Royal London ODI at Bristol County Ground. PRESS ASSOCIATION
England’s Ben Stokes during the Third Royal London ODI at Bristol County Ground. PRESS ASSOCIATION

England all-rounder Ben Stokes was arrested after an incident in Bristol early on Monday and released without charge, the England and Wales Cricket Board has announced.

Batsman Alex Hales voluntarily returned to Bristol to assist police with their enquiries and both men will miss England’s fourth one-day international against the West Indies.

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That game takes place on Wednesday, with England’s Ashes squad announcement set to take place immediately before.

An ECB statement read: “Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be available for tomorrow’s One-Day International match against West Indies at The Oval.

“Stokes was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning, 25 September, following an incident in Bristol.

“He was held overnight and released under investigation – without charge – late on Monday and will not join the team in London.

“Hales, who was with Stokes on Sunday night, did not train this morning and has returned voluntarily to Bristol today to help Police with their enquiries.

“You will understand that we cannot offer further detail at this stage but will provide any updates when we can.”

An Avon and Somerset police statement read: “We were called to a disorder in Queens Road, Clifton, at around 2.35am on Monday (25 September).

“A 27-year-old man was found to have suffered facial injuries and was taken to the Bristol Royal Infirmary for treatment.

“A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and has since been released under investigation.

“We’d appeal for anyone who was in the Clifton Triangle area in the early hours of Monday who saw any part of this incident, to call Investigations on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5217218578.”