Swindon striker Nile Ranger charged with assault and criminal damage

Professional footballer Nile Ranger was yesterday charged with assault and criminal damage.

The Swindon Town striker, 23, is alleged to have hit a woman and then kicked a door.

He was due to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court later today.

A statement from police said: “Wiltshire Police were contacted on April 23rd 2014 by a building management company to report criminal damage at a residential address in Gordon Gardens, Swindon.

“During the course of enquiries, Wiltshire Police were supplied with CCTV footage of the incident.

“Police have since been making enquiries to locate the suspect.

“As a result a man, aged 23, from Gordon Gardens in Swindon attended Gablecross police station in Swindon and was arrested.

“He remains in police custody at this time.”

Wiltshire Police also confirmed it had identified the woman they wanted to speak to in connection with the incident and have spoken with her.

Former Newcastle United striker Ranger left the North-East giants at the beginning of the season and has scored eight goals for Swindon this season.

But the powerful frontman faces an uncertain future with the Robins, who will summon him to a disciplinary meeting on Thursday.

A club statement said: “Swindon Town can confirm that, following yesterday’s club statement, meetings have taken place between senior members of the club and, having consulted with the various football bodies, the club have invited Nile Ranger to attend a disciplinary hearing on Thursday, May 1 to take place at the County Ground.

“The club have contacted Nile informing him of this meeting. Meanwhile, an investigation is being carried out. The club have provided Nile with reasonable notice of this disciplinary meeting to allow him the opportunity to state his case.

“The club will make a further statement following Thursday’s hearing.”