English players in sex probe

London - Several Brighton and Hove Albion soccer players have been arrested by police investigating allegations of sexual assault, reports said Thursday.

Multiple outlets said several players with the Championship side were among six people arrested on suspicion of sexual assault following an incident in the southern seaside resort last July.

A statement from Sussex Police confirmed the arrests but did not reveal the identities of the men or their connections to Brighton.

"Six men have been arrested by detectives from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team investigating a sexual assault in Brighton," a statement said.

"Five of the men, one aged 18, one 19, two aged 20 and one 24 are all from Brighton; the sixth, aged 20 is from Dorset.

"All have been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and taken to different custody centres in Sussex where they will be questioned in relation to an alleged sexual assault on a woman in July last year.

"This was reported at the time and the suspects were identified on Friday last week (January 13), leading to these arrests."

Brighton later confirmed five men "associated" with the club were assisting a police investigation.

"Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club can confirm that five men associated with the club are assisting police into the investigation of an alleged offence in July last year," the club said.

"The club will make no further comment at this stage."