Steven Gerrard arrested over bar brawl

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was arrested today after a brawl at a restaurant.

The England midfielder was among six men arrested when officers were called to the Lounge Inn in Southport, Merseyside.

A 34-year-old local man, believed to be the bar's DJ, was taken to hospital with facial injuries, which are not thought to be serious.

Merseyside Police said the 28-year-old footballer and five other men were arrested on suspicion of assault.

Gerrard went out with friends just hours after his side's 5-1 victory over Newcastle at St James' Park.

After the game Gerrard, who scored twice, hailed his table-topping Liverpool side as the best he has played in.

He was arrested after a disturbance at the Lounge Inn, a modern restaurant close to the junction of Bold Street and Stanley Street.

The venue converts to a late-night club venue with live music and DJs. No one was available to comment today.

The well-to-do seaside town is a popular destination for wealthy footballers looking for a night out.

Gerrard has been capped by England 70 times and has captained his country on four occasions.

He was made an MBE last year and received an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.

Liverpool's next match is against Preston in the FA Cup on Saturday.

A police spokesman said: "Merseyside Police is investigating an assault that took place in the early hours of Monday December 29 on Bold Street in Southport.

"At around 2.30am this morning officers attended a disturbance at a licensed premises on Bold Street.

"Six men were arrested on suspicion of section 20 assault on Lord Street.

"The men, four aged 33, 31, 29 and 19, who all come from the Huyton area, a 28-year-old man from Formby and an 18-year-old man from Litherland remain in police custody.

"A 34-year-old man from Southport was taken to hospital with facial injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening.

"Anyone who saw anything or who has any information is asked to call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 3165 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

A Liverpool spokesman said the club would not be commenting on the alleged incident.

The altercation took place outside the Lounge Inn in Bold Street where it is understood Gerrard had been drinking.

The town centre premises were shut this lunchtime but evidence that a fight had taken place inside could be seen through the windows.

Spots of blood were clearly visible on the floor together with shards of broken glass.

A Bentley car, which is believed to have been parked overnight, remained outside the club with a parking ticket attached.

A nearby newsagent, who did not wish to be named, said he first learned that an assault had taken place when his milkman came into his shop this morning.

The shopkeeper said: "My milkman told me that there were police officers and forensics outside the club at about 5.30am after a fight had taken place.

"He didn't know who was involved though and I only found out that Steven Gerrard was reported to have been there when I saw it on the news.

"There was a bit of commotion outside the club at around 11.30pm when I closed up, but I think it was just the usual noise of people standing outside smoking.

"It seemed quite busy in there last night."