Billy Slater: Australia rugby league player attacked

Police said Billy Slater acted "in self-defence"

Australian rugby league full-back Billy Slater has been questioned by police after a fight broke out outside a bar in Manchester.

A 40-year-old man from the city was arrested on suspicion of affray after Slater was punched outside the Mojo bar in Bridge Street at about 02:40 GMT.

Slater was also arrested before being released without charge after police viewed CCTV of the incident.

Police said the 30-year-old had punched a man "in self-defence".

The 40-year-old arrested man remains in police custody.

The Australian squad had travelled to Manchester after beating Ireland 50-0 in the Rugby League World Cup.

Slater is one of his country's most famous rugby league figures and is considered to be one of the world's leading full-backs.

He was Australia's top try scorer at the 2008 World Cup and was also the voted player of the tournament.

In 2008 the Melbourne Storm player was awarded the Golden Boot award as the world player of the year and he was also voted the Rugby League International Federation's player of the year in 2008 and 2011.