Liverpool's Gerrard arrested over assault

England and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard was arrested yesterday on suspicion of assault, a police source said.

Gerrard, 28, was one of six men arrested in the early hours of the morning after police were called to a fight at a bar in Southport, to the north of Liverpool in north west England.

Merseyside Police confirmed they had arrested a 28-year-old man from the Formby area north of Liverpool on suspicion of assault and said he remained in police custody.

The other five men arrested, also for assault, all came from Liverpool and were aged 33, 31, 29, 19 and 18.

Police said a 34-year-old man from Southport was taken to hospital with facial injuries.

Gerrard scored twice in Sunday's 5-1 Premier League victory over Newcastle United. After the game Gerrard, hailed his table-topping Liverpool side as the best he has played in.

The Liverpool captain was arrested after a disturbance at the Lounge Inn, a modern restaurant. The venue converts to a late-night club venue.

The well-to-do seaside town is a popular destination for wealthy footballers looking for a night out.

Gerrard has been capped by England 70 times and has captained his country on four occasions. He was made an MBE last year and received an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.

A spokeswoman for Liverpool FC declined to comment. "The club is making no comment whatsoever," she said.