• Full-back arrested over alleged assault in nightclub • Armitage is second England player this month to be suspended

This article is more than 8 years old

This article is more than 8 years old

Delon Armitage has become the second player inside four weeks to be arrested by police and suspended from England's elite player squad. Armitage, who played for England Saxons in Exeter on Saturday, was arrested by Devon and Cornwall police on suspicion of alleged assault.

Armitage, whose team-mate Danny Care was ejected from the senior squad earlier this month after being charged with drink-driving, was allegedly involved in an altercation in a nightclub in Torquay. The London Irish player has been interviewed by police and released on bail while inquiries continue.

The England head coach, Stuart Lancaster, said: "We take issues surrounding the behaviour of England players very seriously and as such have decided to suspend Delon from the Saxons EPS pending the result of the police inquiry. We will then consider if further action is appropriate under the EPS code of conduct.

"High standards of behaviour are required from England players on and off the field, and they also need to understand that they should not put themselves in a potentially vulnerable position or environment."

Armitage received four bans in 2011, including a lengthy suspension for pushing a doping officer.

London Irish said in a statement: "London Irish is extremely disappointed to hear about the incident involving Delon whilst on an England Saxons release period and takes these matters extremely seriously.

"We fully understand the RFU stance on this matter and will convene our own internal investigation to procure a full understanding of the matter in question, the outcome of which will determine any further action. Player conduct is a direct representation of the club and, therefore, inappropriate conduct will be strongly acted upon."

A statement from Devon and Cornwall police read: "In the early hours of Sunday the 29th January 2012 a 28-year-old man from the Middlesex area was arrested in Torquay on suspicion of assault following an altercation in a local nightclub.

"The man was taken to Torquay police station and interviewed regarding the incident. He was later released on police bail until 21 March 2012 while investigations continue.

"A local man received a split lip during the incident but did not require medical treatment."