POLICE PASS STOKES FILE TO CPS 'FOR CHARGING ADVICE'

Avon & Somerset Police made a statement about the England all-rounder's case on Wednesday. Stokes was arrested in September following an early-morning fight in Bristol, which reportedly left him with a broken finger.

Ben Stokes could soon learn whether or not he is to be charged with grievous bodily harm after Avon & Somerset Police made a statement about the investigation into allegations of assault against him.

Officers from the south west force have now concluded their enquiries and have passed their findings on to the Crown Prosecution Service. They will now seek "charging advice".

Stokes was arrested in September following an early-morning fight in Bristol, which reportedly left him with a broken finger.

He was suspended by England and, despite being initially named in the Ashes squad for the tour of Australia, did not travel with the team Down Under as he awaited updates from police.

On Monday, he was spotted at Heathrow airport, causing speculation that he could be set to link up with the national side, but instead flew to New Zealand where he has met up with family and could join Canterbury on a short-term deal.

Should police not pursue any charges against Stokes, the England vice-captain would still be subject to an internal review by the ECB before being reintegrated into the team.

The Avon & Somerset Police statement read: "We're now in a position to provide an update on our investigation into a disorder in Bristol which happened during the early hours of Monday, 25 September.

"A 27-year-old man suffered a fractured eye socket in the incident on Queens Road, Clifton.

"A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and was later released under investigation.

"Three other men, aged 26, 27 and 28, have all voluntarily attended police stations for interviews.

"Today (29/11) we passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service and are now seeking charging advice."

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