ADAM JOHNSON ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF UNDERAGE SEX, SUSPENDED BY SUNDERLAND

England and Sunderland winger Adam Johnson has been arrested on suspicion of having sex with a 15-year-old girl. 

Johnson is in custody after his arrest and, with police saying he is continuing to help them with their inquiries, the 27-year-old was suspended by the Premier League club pending the outcome of the investigation.

England international Adam Johnson has been suspended by Sunderland, amid police investigations.

“A 27-year-old man was arrested earlier today on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16,” a Durham police statement said on Monday. “He remains in police custody and is helping officers with their enquiries.”

According to multiple reports, Johnson had sex with a 15-year-old and was arrested at his mansion on Monday morning. Three unmarked cars, a police van, plain clothes officers and crime scene investigators were reported to have been at the player’s home.

Johnson was due to travel with the rest of the Sunderland squad to Hull City for Tuesday’s league match, but will not feature in the league match on Tuesday evening, having been suspended by the club. A statement read: “Sunderland AFC has confirmed that Adam Johnson has been suspended from the club, pending the outcome of a police investigation. No further comment will be made at the present time.” Johnson, who became a father for the first time earlier this year, will not be allowed to play for Gus Poyet’s side or visit the training ground until the suspension is lifted.

Johnson, who was born in Easington, began his career at Middlesbrough – where he made his debut in 2005 – and had loan spells at Leeds United and Watford before moving to Manchester City in 2010 for £7m. He returned to the North-East in 2012 following a difficult spell with City, when Sunderland signed him for £10m.

Johnson last played for England in 2012.

The winger has played for England 12 times, scoring twice, although has never been selected in a major tournament squad for the World Cup or the European Championships. His last appearance for the national team came in August 2012 when England beat Italy 2-1 in a friendly under Roy Hodgson.

Johnson has scored four goals in 24 Premier League games this season. He has endeared himself to Black Cats fans with goals in each of the club’s three derby victories at Newcastle in as many seasons, including a late winner at St James’ Park on Dec. 21 this season. His arrest and the subsequent suspension has dealt a hammer blow to the club’s relegation battle, with the midfielder an important part of the squad.