Ben Stokes arrested: What do we know so far?
Ben Stokes, the England Test vice-captain, has been arrested by police after an incident in the early hours of Monday morning.
The all-rounder had just helped England go 2-0 up with two ODIs to play when trouble struck in Bristol.
It’s alleged Stokes was involved in a disorder in Queens Road, Clifton, at around 2.35am on Monday morning.
The police arrested Stokes after a 27-year-old man was found to have suffered facial injuries and was taken to the Bristol Royal Infirmary for treatment.
The police add: “A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and has since been released under investigation.”
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They are now appealing for witnesses.
What have the ECB said?
ECB director Andrew Strauss found himself having to make an unexpected trip to The Oval to explain the reasons for Stokes’ and Hales’ absence from nets on the eve of a match in which England will bid to wrap up the series with a 3-0 lead.
A 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.”
In an interview shortly afterwards on Sky Sports News, Strauss added: “You will understand we can’t offer any further details on this at this point and that we will provide updates when we have updates and information to give.”
What have the police said about the incident?
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.”
What about Alex Hales?
Hales, as Strauss has confirmed, will also miss the fourth ODI.
Although he has NOT been arrested and is only helping police with their enquiries.
It means Jason Roy is likely to be recalled to the side to open on his home ground.
Stokes, meanwhile, is likely to be replaced by Surrey all-rounder Tom Curran.
What has Eoin Morgan said?
“We found out yesterday (Monday),” England ODI captain Morgan said.
“It has been a bit of a distraction. But ultimately this game is about winning the series.
“There are two positions up for grabs. We’ll make a decision on that ahead of tomorrow.
“I feel that we’ve got a strong enough squad to select from and fill that hole. So, hopefully it doesn’t effect us too much.
“There are two positions up for grabs. We’ll make a decision on that ahead of tomorrow.”
Will Ben Stokes be selected for the Ashes?
Plans remain in place for England to name their Ashes squad before Wednesday’s match.
Andrew Strauss confirmed there is no suggestion as yet that the ECB will re-schedule its Ashes squad deliberations or announcement.
“The selectors have been instructed to select the Ashes squad based on from and fitness,” Strauss added.