THE second man arrested after a Colchester United end-of-season drinking session is U's starlet Alex Gilbey, the Gazette can reveal.

Mr Gilbey, 21, was arrested alongside former team mate Joe Edwards, 25, on suspicion of assault, criminal damage and affray after two fights broke out inside and outside the Kings Arms, in Crouch Street, Colchester.

The pair have been bailed by police pending further enquiries.

The Gazette was initially investigating claims Mr Gilbey had been arrested but details provided by Essex Police did not match the central midfielder's credentials.

Our reporter was told two 25-year-old men had been arrested after the brawls.

But yesterday Essex Police corrected its statement, stating the men were aged 25 and 21.

Colchester United was also aware we were investigating claims over Mr Gilbey's arrest.

The alleged incidents took place when a group of players hit the town after losing 2-1 at home to Rochdale on the last day of the season.

It is claimed a group the two players were with was asked to leave the beer garden of the Kings Arms, in Crouch Street.

But onlookers said tempers flared as the group protested against the decision and during a fracas, pub landlord Siobhan Walters was injured.

The footballers then left the venue but returned to pub shortly before 11pm and tried to get back in.

When they were refused entry a fight broke out.

During that brawl, one man, aged in his thirties, was knocked unconscious.

Mr Gilbey, who grew up in the Frinton area, is a product of the club academy and a highly rated central midfielder.

He was arrested alongside Mr Edwards at the scene and bailed until July.

The 21-year-old's contract with the U's runs out in the summer and he is widely tipped to join either Championship side Bristol City or League One’s Wigan Athletic despite being offered a new contract by the relegated U's.

Mr Gilbey, who went to Colchester's Gilberd School, is a product of the club's coveted academy and is the U's vice-captain.

Mr Edwards, who played in midfield and defence for the U's this season, headed a list of players released from the club on Friday.

The pair were both honoured at the club's end-of-season awards, with the 21-year-old being crowned Player of the Year and Mr Edwards taking home the Players’ Player of the Season award.