Derbyshire Police have launched a Brydon Carse assault investigation following an incident outside a Derby nightclub in the early hours of 25 August 2026, after the England bowler was filmed in handcuffs and surrounded by officers.
The police confirmed on Wednesday that they are examining allegations of assault in Derby city centre. ‘No arrests have yet been made and the investigation is ongoing,’ a force spokesperson said.
What happened outside Molly Malone’s
According to CricTracker, the incident occurred outside Molly Malone’s Irish Tavern in Derby. Images circulated on social media on Sunday showing Carse, 31, in handcuffs during what was described as a night out on Saturday.
Derbyshire Police initially said a man in his 30s had been arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly before being de-arrested shortly afterwards, having agreed to leave the area. The force named the location as Molly Malone’s bar in Derby city centre. The Wednesday statement marked a shift, with police now formally looking into assault allegations connected to the same incident.
The Guardian reported that several other Durham players were also present at the time, including Ben Stokes. Neither Stokes nor the other players have been named by police in connection with any allegation.
Brydon Carse assault investigation prompts ECB action
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) moved swiftly after footage spread online. The ECB said the matter would be referred to the Cricket Regulator and, as a direct consequence, Carse was removed from the England squad ahead of the second Test against Pakistan.
The ECB has not commented further since that initial statement. Carse has been approached for a response but had not replied at the time of publication.
The Brydon Carse assault investigation now runs alongside the Cricket Regulator’s own inquiry, meaning Carse faces scrutiny on two fronts over the same night’s events.
Carse’s England record and county return
BBC Sport reports that Carse has represented England on 58 occasions, including 14 Tests. Despite his removal from the national squad, he has been named in Durham’s County Championship side for their fixture against Gloucestershire.
His selection at county level means Carse remains in competitive cricket while both investigations proceed. Durham have not commented publicly on the matter.
The pace bowler’s absence from the Test squad leaves England without one of their frontline bowling options for the second match of the Pakistan series. Joe Root was reported separately to be ‘hacked off’ and ‘disappointed’ at the incident, while Michael Vaughan called for punishment that would ‘send a shiver’ through the game.
Derbyshire Police said the investigation remains ongoing and no further arrests have been made. The Cricket Regulator’s separate process is also continuing, with no outcome announced.
