Fromer Albion star Ronnie Wallwork arrested

Former West Bromwich Albion star Ronnie Wallwork has been arrested by police as part of an investigation into serious and organised crime.

The 33-year-old -former player of the year was arrested on suspicion of the theft of motor vehicles as he arrived at Manchester Airport on a flight.

He was then questioned in connection with the handling of stolen vehicles.

The arrest was made by officers from Titan — a collaboration of specialist police from six forces across the north west established to tackle serious and organised crime.

Wallwork, from Failsworth, Oldham, was bailed until next week, when he could be charged with the offences.

A Lancashire police spokesman said: "A 33-year-old man from the Manchester area was arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicles. He was bailed until January 18, 2011."

He started his career at Manchester United, but never fully established himself in the first team.

The midfielder was loaned out to Carlisle United and Stockport County and during a further loan spell at Royal Antwerp was banned from football for life for allegedly attacking a Belgian referee.

However, the ban was later substantially reduced on appeal to a one year ban in Belgium only.

Wallwork joined West Bromwich Albion in 2002 on a free transfer, becoming the first player signed by Albion following their promotion to the Premier League. He made his Albion debut as a substitute in a 3—1 home defeat to Leeds United and he went on to play in 27 of Albion's 38 Premier League games in 2002—03.

He was named Player of the Year in 2004—05, when the club narrowly avoided relegation and remained at the club until 2008, with loan spells at Bradford City, Barnsley and Huddersfield Town.

Wallwork was transferred to Sheffield Wednesday in January 2008, but was released just four months later.

During time playing with Barnsley, in November 2006, he was repeatedly stabbed with a fish knife during an attack in the VIP area of the Sugar Lounge bar on Deansgate Locks in Manchester.

His attacker had flown into a jealous rage after seeing Wallwork with an ex-girlfriend.