Brighton footballer cleared of sex attack as five other players are bailed

Brighton and Hove Albion footballer Tommy Elphick has been eliminated from a police investigation into a sex attack in Brighton.

He was one of five Albion players who were arrested yesterday (Thursday 19 January) on suspicion of sexual assault in July.

Former Albion player Steve Cook, who now plays for Bournemouth, was also arrested as part of the inquiry.

Sussex Police released a statement at lunchtime today (Fridau 20 January) which said: “A 24-year-old man from Brighton, arrested yesterday on suspicion of sexual assault, has been told that he has been eliminated from the inquiry.

“The gentlemen’s co-operation and assistance since his arrest enabled us to quickly establish that he was not of interest to us in this inquiry and he has been advised that no further action will be taken against him.”

The other five players have been bailed until Wednesday 21 March.

They are Steve Cook, 20, Anton Rodgers, the 18-year-old son of Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers, Ben Sampayo, 19, Lewis Dunk, 20, and George Barker, 20.