Jermain Defoe wrongly arrested and held in cell for five hrs

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Footballer Jermain Defoe was 'unlawfully' arrested last night on suspicion of driving while disqualified, his lawyer has revealed.

Defoe's solicitor said the Tottenham and England striker was not disqualified but had been held for more than five hours at a police station in Harlow, Essex.

Essex Police said the arrest had been based on 'inaccurate' information held on a computer.

Cell gaffe: Jermain Defoe pictured with his current girlfriend, former Big Brother star Imogen Thomas

A spokesman said the player was released as soon as the error came to light.

Defoe, 26, of Cuffley, Hertfordshire, was convicted of speeding earlier this month by a district judge sitting in Chelmsford, Essex.

He was disqualified from driving but the disqualification was suspended pending an appeal - Defoe denied any offence.

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England international Jermain Defoe could sue the police after being wrongly arrested and held in custody for five hours.

The Tottenham striker (pictured) was stopped in his car at 2.30am on Monday in Loughton, Essex and accused of driving while disqualified.

Defoe was taken to Harlow police station, but despite explaining that a six-month ban had been suspended pending an appeal, the 26-year-old was taken to a cell.

Essex police subsequently released Defoe without charge at 7.30am and later admitted the arrest was based on "inaccurate information" in their computer records.

Upon release Defoe was refused access to his car or a set of keys that included his front-door key. As a result he missed a flight to China with his Tottenham team-mates.

The footballer's lawyer, Nick Freeman, said his client is considering legal action.

"I have advised him he has got a strong case for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment," Freeman said.

"How would any respectable member of society feel about that treatment? They would be upset.

"These things shouldn't happen."