Footballer is arrested over drugs

Terry Fearns is the club's joint top goal-scorer

A Shropshire footballer has been arrested over an alleged drugs offence, the BBC understands.

AFC Telford United striker Terry Fearns was arrested in the Sefton area of Merseyside on Wednesday.

The club said it was aware of an incident involving the player and was seeking legal advice.

Merseyside Police confirmed a 31-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.

'Establish the facts'

Mr Fearns, who is the club's joint top goal-scorer with 17 goals this season, was not named in Telford manager Rob Smith's squad for match against King's Lynn on Saturday.

In a statement, the club said: "AFC Telford United are aware of an incident, totally unbeknown and unrelated to the club, involving Terry Fearns.

"The club are trying to establish the facts of the matter, as well as talking to our legal representatives to establish what our course of action will be.

"The board will issue a further update in due course."

The player joined the Bucks from Droylsden last summer.

His previous clubs include Wigan Athletic and Southport, where he scored 41 goals in the 2004-2005 season.