Stephen Lee arrested in 'suspicious betting' probe

(Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Snooker player Stephen Lee was arrested following an investigation into suspicious betting patterns, police said today.

The player, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire, was arrested yesterday, West Midlands Police confirmed.

A spokesman said: "A 35-year-old man from Wiltshire was arrested on Thursday 11 February on suspicion of cheating.

"This follows a joint operation where West Midlands Police have assisted the Gambling Commission, following their concerns about suspicious betting patterns."

The father of four children, he was once ranked fifth in the world but has now fallen to 25th place.

World Snooker, the commercial arm of governing body the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, today said they were awaiting further developments.

"We are aware of the recent news articles concerning match fixing and are awaiting further reports," read a World Snooker statement.

"In instances where the Gambling Commission commences an investigation into a match, the WPBSA works together with the Commission to assist in its enquiries and the WPBSA will hold its own investigation open pending the conclusion.

"However, neither the Commission nor the WPBSA will release information surrounding a betting matter while an investigation is ongoing."