FORMER SAINTS striker Nile Ranger has been arrested on suspicion of rape, sources said.

The 21-year-old Premier League footballer, who now plays for Newcastle United, was held by Northumbria Police following an allegation made by a woman that she was attacked at a hotel in Jesmond, Newcastle between Wednesday and Thursday.

London-born Ranger, who lives in Forest Hall, North Tyneside, was still being questioned today.

A police spokeswoman said: ''On Thursday January 24 a woman reported to police that she had been raped overnight at a hotel in Jesmond.

''A 21-year-old man has been arrested at an address in Forest Hall on suspicion of rape.''

Ranger angered fans by criticising them for booing after Newcastle lost to Reading at the weekend.

He went on to enrage them by apparently spelling his name out in £20 notes and posting a photo online.

A Newcastle United spokeswoman declined to comment.