LONDON - LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard was arrested early on Monday in connection with an alleged assault at a nightspot that led to a man being hospitalized with facial injuries.

The England midfielder was detained by police at 2.30 am (10.30pm Singapore time) in Southport along with five other men after the brawl and remains in police custody for questioning, a person close to the investigation said on condition of anonymity. British police do not publicly name suspects unless charges are brought.

A 34-year-old man was taken to hospital with facial injuries that are not believed to be life threatening, police said.

The seaside town is less than 10 miles north of Gerrard's home in Formby in Merseyside.

Gerrard was celebrating Liverpool extending its lead to three points atop the Premier League standings after he scored twice and made another goal in a 5-1 victory at Newcastle, while second-place Chelsea was held 2-2 by Fulham.

'Merseyside Police is investigating an assault that took place in the early hours of Monday ... on Bold Street in Southport,' police said in a statement, without naming Gerrard. 'Six men were arrested on suspicion of section 20 assault on Lord Street.'

Gerrard's status as one of the world's best midfield talents was recognized by his fellow international professionals in October when he was named in FIFPro's team-of-the-year lineup. -- AP