Mason Greenwood cops granted extra time to quiz Man Utd striker over rape and GBH claims

POLICE have been give extra time to quiz Mason Greenwood in custody after he was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.

The Manchester United striker, 20, spent the night in a police cell after cops swooped over the allegations which came to light on Sunday morning.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed this afternoon they have been given extra time to question Greenwood.

They said: "Detectives have been granted additional time to speak to a man in his 20s who is being held on suspicion of rape and assault of a woman.

"The suspect was arrested yesterday (Sunday 30 January) afternoon and remains in custody.

"Enquiries are ongoing and the victim is being offered specialist support."

Crime scene investigators from Greater Manchester Police were seen parked outside the footballer’s house in Bowdon, Greater Manchester, on Sunday afternoon.

Security staff, thought to have been provided by his club, were present at a second home he owns nearby and they confirmed his parents were inside.

Manchester United also announced he has been suspended indefinitely after the allegations surfaced online.

The Premier League club initially said it did “not condone violence of any kind," but later suspended the £75,000-a-week star as a police probe was launched.

A spokesman for the club said: “Mason Greenwood will not return to training or play matches until further notice.”

Last night the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) tweeted: “The club has now confirmed that Mason Greenwood will not return to training or play matches until further notice. MUST fully support the decision of the club in this regard."

England star Greenwood could see his career put into severe doubt,with his sponsor Nike saying they were "deeply concerned" and would "monitor" the situation.

The images and allegations were reportedly visible on the woman's Instagram on Sunday morning, but have since been deleted.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were made aware of online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence.

"An investigation was launched and following enquiries we can confirm a man in his 20s has since been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault. 

"He remains in custody for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing."

Nazir Afzal, former Chief Crown Prosecutor, tweeted on Sunday: “These allegations need to be investigated quickly.”

Greenwood joined Manchester United at the age of six and progressed through the academy ranks.

He started playing for the first team in 2019, aged 17, and has made 129 appearances on the pitch for the team.

Greenwood also represented England several times as an under-17 and under-21 before being named in the England senior squad in August 2020.