Rio Ferdinand was in the HiFi Club in Leeds

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the Leeds and Manchester United stars over allegations of assault and threatening behaviour.

It follows claims made during a trial in which Martin Luther King, of Montague Crescent, Oakwood, Leeds, was found guilty of attempted rape.

King's 22-year-old victim told Leeds Crown Court she was indecently assaulted by Mr Duberry and threatened by Mr Ferdinand in the HiFi club before the incident took place.

Both men gave evidence during the trial but each denied the accusations.

The court heard how they were interviewed by police following the allegations but were not charged with any offence.

Previous conviction

Speaking after the trial, CPS spokeswoman Victoria Garrity said: "Files for Mr Ferdinand and Mr Duberry were referred to the CPS but there was insufficient evidence for them to be charged."

During proceedings, the 22-year-old woman said she was driven off by King and molested at gunpoint after leaving the club on 22 January 2002.

After the verdicts were delivered the jury was told King had a previous conviction for raping a woman at gunpoint.

He was found guilty of the offence at Snaresbrook Crown Court, London.

King, a cinema worker, carried out the Leeds attack while on bail for the offence committed in London.

Judge Scott Wolstenholme told the 33-year-old he would be sentenced for both at Leeds Crown Court at a later date.

The jury failed to reach a verdict on a charge of kidnapping and Mr Wolstenholme ordered the charge to lie on file.