POP sensation Cheryl Cole has officially split from her husband Ashley, it has been confirmed today.

A spokesman for the Girls Aloud singer confirmed the split which follows that the star's husband, the England and Chelsea footballer, had again been unfaithful.

The X Factor star flew back to Britain today after fleeing to the US when reports about her husband surfaced.

She reportedly texted Cole from LA to say their marriage was over.

The pair, who live in a £3.5 million mansion in Surrey, met in 2004 when they both had homes in the same London apartment block.

They were engaged in 2005 after he proposed in Dubai and they tied the knot the following year.

Chart-topping singer Cheryl arrived at London Heathrow Airport from Los Angeles on an Air New Zealand flight on Tuesday morning.

The star, flanked by two police officers, hid behind large black sunglasses and a trilby hat as she was ushered through a side exit in the arrivals lounge where a number of photographers were waiting.

Cheryl, whose outfits have fed rumours of a split with husband Ashley amid tabloid allegations, was all in black - with a belted leather jacket, black skinny trousers and black sandals.

Having made her way through the group of photographers, Cheryl darted into a silver Mercedes which sped away.

She arrived at her Surrey mansion shortly before 12.30pm. The Mercedes was surrounded by six photographers on motorbikes as it approached the driveway.

Two fire engines were seen going up the drive to the Coles' house, followed minutes later by a police car - but Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said it was a false alarm. A spokesman said: "It was activated due to a malfunction. We got the call from the fire alarm company and the fire engines were sent out automatically."

Cheryl had fled to the US, minus her wedding ring, following the rumours about her husband. Ashley could face disciplinary action from Chelsea as a result of the allegations.