Hughes police get extra time

Detectives were today granted a further 12 hours to question West Bromwich Albion footballer Lee Hughes on suspicion of causing the death of a car passenger whose vehicle was in collision with the star's Mercedes.

West Midlands Police are holding the 27-year-old striker at Coventry's Little Park Street police station where he surrendered himself to arrest at around 10am on Monday following a nationwide appeal to trace him.

A spokesman said officers will be able to question Hughes up until around 10pm after which they must apply to magistrates should they wish to detain him further.

Hughes's arrest follows allegations that he left the scene of a collision in Meriden in the early hours of Sunday involving his silver coupe and a Renault Megane in which rear seat passenger Douglas Graham, 56, from Coventry, died.

Hughes, who lives in Meriden with his Croatian wife and their daughter, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop after an injury road traffic collision.

Mr Graham's wife, also a passenger, was taken to Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital with a broken leg following the tragedy, while the male driver suffered a broken pelvis and another male passenger suffered bruising.

Hughes' club confirmed yesterday that he would not be taking part in tonight's Division One match away at Cardiff City after failing to turn up for training.