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England all-rounder Ben Stokes arrested on suspicion of assault in Bristol & dropped for the fourth ODI

London: England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in Bristol and dropped for Wednesday’s fourth ODI against West Indies.

The 26-year-old Durham star was arrested early on Monday, following England’s 124-run win in the third ODI in the Clifton district of the city, and released under investigation — without charge — the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Tuesday.

Stokes and Opening batsman Alex Hales, who was with him on Sunday night, will also miss the game at The Oval.

The Oval match takes place just hours after England are due to unveil their squad for the Ashes tour of Australia at the south London ground earlier on Wednesday.

“Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be available for tomorrow’s (Wednesday’s) one-day international match against West Indies at The Oval,” ECB director of England cricket Andrew Strauss said while reading out a board statement to reporters at The Oval on Tuesday.

“Stokes was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning, 25 September, following an incident in Bristol,” the former England captain added as he continued to read out the statement.

“He was held overnight and released under investigation – without charge – late on Monday and will not join the team in London.

“Hales, who was with Stokes on Sunday night, did not train this (Tuesday) morning and has returned voluntarily to Bristol today to help police with their enquiries. “You will understand that we cannot offer further detail at this stage but will provide any updates when we can.” Strauss confirmed that both Durham star Stokes — a Test regular — and Nottinghamshire batsman Hales, a fringe candidate, will be considered for the Ashes squad on cricketing grounds alone by the England selectors at this stage.

England captain Eoin Morgan said: “We feel we have a strong enough squad to be able to fill that hole. It’s important we can put this to one side and focus on our cricket.”

Meanwhile a statement issued by Avon and Somerset police said: “We were called to a disorder in Queens Road, Clifton, at around 2:35am (0135 GMT) on Monday.

“A 27-year-old man was found to have suffered facial injuries and was taken to the Bristol Royal Infirmary for treatment.

“A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and has since been released under investigation.