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Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Manslaughter Over Emiliano Sala Death

Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Manslaughter Over Emiliano Sala Death

Dorset Police have informed the families of both Emiliano Sala and the pilot David Ibbotson

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act following the death of Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said a 64-year-old man from North Yorkshire had been arrested and released while investigations continue, the BBC reports.

Emiliano Sala pictures with a Cardiff City shirt.
PA

The families of former Nantes striker Sala and pilot David Ibbotson have been informed of the arrest.

In a statement Det Insp Simon Huxter, of the force's Major Crime Investigation Team, said:

"As part of this investigation we have to consider whether there is any evidence of any suspected criminality and as a result of our enquiries we have today, Wednesday 19 June 2019, arrested a 64-year-old man from the North Yorkshire area on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act. He is assisting with our enquiries and has been released from custody under investigation.


"This matter therefore is still subject to a live investigation and I would ask the media and members of the public to refrain from speculation, as this could cause additional distress to the families involved as well as potentially hinder the investigation.

"As is standard practice, we will not be releasing any further information as to the identity of the individual who has been arrested unless that person is charged to appear in court and again would discourage any speculation in relation to this."

Cardiff fans at Nantes play tribute to Sala. Image: PA Images
Cardiff fans at Nantes play tribute to Sala. Image: PA Images

Huxter told people not to speculate on the identity of the arrested man as it could 'hinder' the investigation.

Sala had signed for Cardiff City in the January transfer window from Nantes. He flew back to France to say goodbye to his former teammates.

On the evening of January 21st 2019 the flight carrying Sala, as the soul passenger, was believed to have gone missing over the English channel.

Tributes outside the ground. Image: PA Images
Tributes outside the ground. Image: PA Images

The plane, and Sala's body, were found on February 3rd after an extensive search, the body of the pilot was never found.

Sala cost Cardiff £15 million and the deal was complete but was awaiting international clearance. The former Premier League side, who were relegated at the end of last season, are yet to pay the first £5 million installment for the player.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: SPORT, Football News, News, Emiliano Sala, Ligue 1, Premier League, Argentina, Cardiff City