Adam Johnson arrested after 15-year-old girl who he is alleged to have had sex with 'boasted about a

Posted Thursday, March 05, 2015 by Independent.co.uk

A complaint is reported to have come from the girl's father

Sunderland and England footballer Adam Johnson was arrested after the father of a 15-year-old girl, who is alleged to have had sex with the midfielder, reported the matter to the police having reportedly found out about it after his daughter boasted about a relationship with Johnson on social media.

The Telegraph reports that the 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke about an alleged relationship with the Premier League footballer to friends on social media. 27-year-old Johnson was arrested on Monday after Durham Police raided his £1.85 million house, after reportedly receiving a complaint from the girl's father.

Police confirmed that Johnson was questioned and bailed until 18 March, and he has also been suspended by Sunderland Football Club pending an outcome of the investigation.

It is also claimed that Johnson has posed in pictures with the girl, while yesterday Durham Police issued a reminder that identifying someone who may or may not be a victim of a sexual offence, including on social media, is against the law.

A spokesman said: "Victims of sexual assault are guaranteed the legal right to lifetime anonymity and publishing any details, including on social media, which may lead to their identification, is contrary to the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992."

"Durham Constabulary wishes to remind social media users, and anyone else, who breaks the law that they will be dealt with robustly."

Johnson's girlfriend, Stacey Flounders, is said to be willing to "stand by" Johnson after his arrest after her family protested his innocence and claimed he "has done nothing wrong".

Flounders reportedly gave birth to the couple's daughter just seven weeks ago, and her mother told the Daily Mirror yesterday: "They are still very close and are absolutely still together. He is 100 per cent innocent and we will stand by him. He hasn't been found guilty of anything."

"He is a great lad and has not done anything wrong. This is a horrible situation."

Johnson was absent for Sunderland's 1-1 draw with Hull on Tuesday night after starting his suspension immediately, with his Black Cats team-mate Jack Rodwell cancelling out Dame N'Doye's opener.

After Johnson's arrest on Monday morning, a police spokesman confirmed: "A 27-year-old man was arrested earlier today on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16. He remains in police custody and is helping officers with their inquiries."

A loaded gun was also reportedly found at the six-bedroom property. It is thought that the weapon was legally held.

Sunderland also issued a brief statement, which read: "Sunderland AFC has confirmed that Adam Johnson has been suspended from the club, pending the outcome of a police investigation," the statement said. "No further comment will be made at the present time."

Johnson played 81 minutes against Manchester United on Saturday

Johnson, who also spent time with Manchester City and Middlesbrough having come through Boro's academy, has 12 England caps to his name, although he has not appeared for Roy Hodgson's side since the match against Italy in August 2012 shortly after the European Championships campaign.

He has scored 17 goals for the Black Cats since arriving from City three years ago, but has been described as inconsistent as he struggles to display his best on a regular basis. Johnson featured in Sunderland's last game, the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday, where he was substituted by manager Gus Poyet after 81 minutes.