Man arrested over death of Cardiff footballer Emiliano Sala

Police in the UK have arrested a man in relation to the death of Cardiff city footballer Emiliano Sala.

Dorset Police have confirmed that the man has been detained on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act.

The 28-year-old Argentine striker was killed when the private plane he was travelling in from France to Cardiff crashed into the English channel on January 21. Sala had just signed a deal to join Cardiff from Nantes when the tragedy happened.

Two weeks after the crash, the player’s body was recovered from the wreckage of the plane. The body of the pilot, David Ibbotson, has yet to be found.

Man arrested in relation to investigation into Sala's death

On 7 February, Sala’s body was brought to Portland Port in Dorset, where Dorset Police have been carrying out enquiries into the circumstances of the death.

And Detective Inspector Simon Huxter of Dorset Police has confirmed that the man’s arrest was in relation to the investigation.

“We have carried out a wide-ranging investigation into the circumstances of the death of Mr Sala and continue to work with partner agencies including the Civil Aviation Authority,” said Inspector Huxter.

“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.”