Johnson Suspended by Sunderland after Arrest, out on Bail

English Premier League club Sunderland suspended midfielder Adam Johnson on Monday after he was arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16.

The 27-year-old Johnson, who has played for England, was later released on police bail "pending ongoing investigations," a force in northeast England said.

News of Johnson's arrest emerged Monday, a day before Sunderland's Premier League game at Hull.

"A 27-year-old man was arrested earlier today on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16," police in the northeast city of Durham said in a statement on Monday when asked about reports of Johnson's arrest.

In response, Sunderland said in a statement that Johnson had been suspended by the club "pending the outcome of a police investigation."

Johnson grew up near Durham and began his career in the northeast with Middlesbrough, graduating from the academy to the first team. Johnson's impressive performances secured a transfer to Manchester City in 2010 for 7 million pounds (now about $11 million).

But after City won the Premier League in 2012, Johnson sought more regular first-team football and joined Sunderland for 10 million pounds (now about $15 million).

Johnson made the last of his 12 England appearances in August 2012 against Italy.