Newcastle striker Andy Carroll held in assault probe

An England under-21 footballer was arrested today on suspicion of assault following an alleged fight in a nightclub.

Andy Carroll, striker with Championship leaders Newcastle United, was held by police following the incident in the city's busy Bigg Market which left a man needing hospital treatment.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: "Shortly after 1.30am today, police received reports of an assault at Blu Bambu, Bigg Market, Newcastle.

"A man suffered head injuries which are not described as life-threatening.

"He was taken to Newcastle General Hospital and later discharged.

"A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm."

He was arrested in September last year and cautioned after a woman complained she had been assaulted in Pudding Chare, off the Bigg Market.

Gateshead-born Carroll has established himself as a first-team player this season and been capped twice for the England under 21s.