Ben Stokes’ Ashes hopes hanging by a thread as CPS considers charges
A statement by police revealed Ryan Hale, 27, suffered a fractured eye socket outside Mbargo nightclub on September 25
ENGLAND cricketer Ben Stokes could still be charged over a street brawl in Bristol.
Stokes, 26, was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm in September, with exclusive video obtained by The Sun showing the fracas.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a file will be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service in connection with the incident outside Mbargo nightclub in the city in the early hours of September 25.
The statement added Ryan Hale, 27, suffered a fractured eye socket.
The decision leaves Stokes' hopes of playing in the remainder of the Ashes series in Australia unclear.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had said Stokes would remain suspended until it carries out its own disciplinary process, which would not begin until the conclusion of the police investigation or a potential trial.
Stokes was with team-mate Alex Hales, who also returned to Bristol voluntarily in the days after the late-night bust up, to help police with their inquiries.
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "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 Rd, 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 interview.
"Today we have passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service and are now seeking charging advice."
The Ashes began on November 23 in Brisbane and England are currently trailing 1-0 in the five-test series, which ends on January 8.
Stokes arrived in New Zealand last night but told reporters he was only visiting his family, adding: (I'm) just looking forward to seeing mum and dad."
The ECB later issued a statement insisting Stokes had not flown out to join up with the England.
It added it had not taken care of his travel arrangements.
Cricket bosses came to the decision to suspend Stokes after viewing footage obtained by The Sun of the incident.
Stokes is England’s highest paid cricketer after signing a £1.7million deal to play for Rising Pune Supergiants in the Indian Premier League.
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An ECB spokesperson said: “We are aware that Ben Stokes is making a private trip to New Zealand to spend time with his family. His travel has not been arranged by the ECB.
“He is not on his way to the Ashes, the England Lions or any other training camps within the England set-up.
“Ben is allowed by the Avon and Somerset police to leave the country.”
