Sunderland defender Titus Bramble arrested over rape claim in Newcastle hotel
Sunderland defender Titus Bramble has been arrested on suspicion of rape.
The 29-year-old was detained after the alleged rape of a young woman was reported to police in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Arrested: Sunderland defender Bramble (right) was picked up by police
Bramble, a former England Under 21 international, was being quizzed by detectives investigating the alleged attack at a Newcastle city centre hotel.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: 'Police received a report of a rape of a woman at a city centre hotel in Newcastle in the early hours.
'Two men, aged 29 and 30, have been arrested on suspicion of rape.'
It is believed the alleged rape happened at the plush, four-star Vermont Hotel, which has an entrance close to bars and nightclubs on Newcastle's quayside.
A hotel spokesman refused to comment.
Sunderland have so far not commented.
Bramble's solicitor Mark Haslam was unavailable for comment.
The second man arrested was Bramble's brother, Tesfaye Bramble, police confirmed.
The 30-year-old striker, who has played international football for Montserrat, a British island in the Caribbean, plays for Eastern Counties League Premier Division club Leiston, in Suffolk.
He spent time in the Football League with Southend.
In October 2003, Bramble, together with West Ham striker Carlton Cole, was one of four men arrested for an alleged rape on a 17-year-old girl in a London hotel.
But after questioning by police Bramble and Cole were released without charge.
Most watched Sport videos
- Netflix teases Tom Brady's Greatest Roast of All Time comedy special
- Marcus Rashford limps out of Wembley
- Coventry fans clap team after FA Cup exit
- Fans boo during Onana's interview
- Landlord Liverpool star under criticism
- Mike Tyson trains ahead of fight with Jake Paul
- Jordan Smylie's horrific slide tackle that broke a rivals leg
- Athletes shine on Laureus Awards red carpet in Madrid
- Arsenal Manager Arteta reflects on 5-0 win against Chelsea
- Emile Cairess trains at Kenya camp ahead of the London Marathon
- Erik ten Hag calls FA Cup final reach 'huge achievement'
- Ruud Gullit on England, the Euros, Chelsea and Man United