Man, 64, arrested over death of footballer Emiliano Sala

The 28-year-old Argentine footballer was killed when a plane taking him from France to the UK crashed in the English Channel.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act following the death of Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala.

The 28-year-old Argentine footballer was killed when a small plane taking him from France to the UK crashed in the English Channel north of Guernsey on 21 January.

Around two weeks later, the aircraft wreckage was found with his body still inside and it was then removed from the plane and brought to Portland Port in Dorset.

The plane was being flown by David Ibbotson, who had lost contact with air traffic control.

The pilot is presumed to have also died in the crash and his body has not been found.

Sala had just signed for Cardiff from French club Nantes before the tragedy happened.

He was being flown by Mr Ibbotson from western France to Wales to join the-then Premier League side when the Piper Malibu aircraft disappeared.

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of Dorset Police, said: “We have carried out a wide-ranging investigation into the circumstances of the death of Mr Sala and continue to work with partner agencies including the Civil Aviation Authority.

“As part of this investigation we have to consider whether there is any evidence of any suspected criminality.

“And as a result of our inquiries we have today, Wednesday June 19 2019, arrested a 64-year-old man from the North
Yorkshire area on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act.

“He is assisting with our inquiries and has been released from custody under investigation.”

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