Ranger charged with common assault

Ex-Premier League footballer Nile Ranger has been charged with common assault, police have said.

The 21-year-old, who left Newcastle United by mutual consent a fortnight ago, was arrested after police received reports of a fight between a couple in the city centre on Wednesday evening.

The London-born former England under-19 player was held after an alleged assault in the car park of The Gate entertainment complex.

Earlier, a Northumbria Police spokesman said: "At 7.09pm yesterday evening police received a report of a fight in the car park area at The Gate, Newcastle.

"A 21-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of assault and he is currently in custody helping police with inquiries."

A force spokesman said later that Ranger will appear before Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Friday.