Nile Ranger arrested after alleged attack

Aug 28 2011 by Sophie Doughty, Sunday Sun

TROUBLED Toon star Nile Ranger has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a reveller who was left unconscious outside a popular nightspot.

The Newcastle striker, 20, was quizzed by detectives over the alleged assault in the early hours of yesterday morning in Newcastle’s bustling Groat Market.

And we can reveal two cops were also injured as Ranger was being taken away for questioning.

Police found the 33-year-old victim unconscious outside Cosy Joe’s bar after being called to the scene following reports of an assault, at around 1.30am.

The attacker had fled the scene, but after searching the area police arrested London-born Ranger in nearby Manor Chare.

It was initially believed that the victim’s jaw had been broken, but a police spokeswoman later revealed the man had suffered “bruising and swelling”.

Two cops suffered minor injuries described as ‘abrasions’ during the arrest and Ranger is also being questioned in relation to the officers’ injuries.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault outside Cosy Joes Pub, in Groat Market in Newcastle City Centre.

“It happened at 1.30am on Saturday, when police were called after a 33-year-old man was assaulted. When police arrived the injured man was unconscious and was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary suffering from bruising and swelling to his face.

“The offender made off and police carried out a search of the area. A 20-year-old man was arrested a short time later, nearby, on suspicion of assault.

“Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious to contact them.”

Ranger was released last night, pending further enquiries.