A top Shropshire footballer has been arrested and bailed in relation to drug offences after a raid on his Liverpool home.

AFC Telford United striker Terry Fearns, 31, was taken into custody last Thursday after the raid in the Sefton area of the city.

Merseyside police have bailed the prolific goalscorer – who is one of the club’s highest-paid stars – to report back in May, though no charges have been made against him yet.

A spokesman for the force said: “Merseyside police can confirm that a 31-year-old male from the Sefton area of Merseyside has been arrested on suspicion of drug offences.

“He is being released without charge to reappear at a date in May.”

The news has come as a shock to club officials, with chairman Lee Carter admitting they were still deciding how to proceed.

Fearns was left out of the club’s squad for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with King’s Lynn in their Blue Square North game. He is under contract with Telford until the end of the season, and directors were today discussing options including suspension pending the outcome of the police investigation.

“The club are trying to establish the full facts and talk to our legal representatives to decide what our course of action will be,” Mr Carter said.