• Man, 60, released under investigation by police • Club reported allegations and has suspended individual

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

An employee of Sunderland AFC has been arrested on suspicion of the sexual grooming of a boy but released under investigation pending further inquiries.

A spokesman for Northumbria police said: “Police have arrested a 60-year-old man on suspicion of meeting a male under the age of 16 following sexual grooming.”

A spokeswoman for the League One club said: “We were made aware of allegations pertaining to a member of staff. We reported the matter to police immediately and the individual in question was suspended.”

Sunderland will make no further comment until the police investigation has been concluded.