Footballer arrested over assault

Mr Pipe made 141 appearances for Notts County before moving to Bristol

A Bristol Rovers footballer has been arrested on suspicion of assault after a man suffered a fractured skull when he was hit with a bottle in Bristol.

League One midfielder David Pipe, 25, has been released on bail after the assault in Park Street at 0400 BST on Wednesday.

The injured 29-year-old is recovering in the city's Frenchay Hospital.

Mr Pipe, a former Wales Under-21 captain, has been bailed until 20 September.

'Serious injuries'

An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said: ''A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault in relation to an incident which occurred at 4am on Wednesday.

''Police were called to a disturbance near a bar in Park Street.

''A 29-year-old man suffered serious head injuries and it was suggested he had been hit over the head with one or more bottles.

''He is recovering in Frenchay Hospital with a fractured skull.''

Mr Pipe, who has a full international cap, joined Bristol Rovers in July 2007 from Notts County for £50,000.

A Bristol Rovers FC spokesman said: "As yet the club is not fully aware of the facts surrounding the incident.

"The club is currently carrying out an internal investigation, and until this is complete the club will make no further comment."