AN ALBANIAN international footballer has been arrested on suspicion of indecently assaulting a housekeeper at a top East Lancashire hotel.

Police were called to the four-star Dunkenhalgh Hotel in Clayton-le-Moors at about 1.30pm yesterday after claims were made by the 18-year-old woman who is from the local area.

The player was named by the Albanian Football Association as Andi Lila, 21, a defender who also plays for Greek club Iraklis FC.

Lila was last night being questioned by detectives over the alleged attack.

The Albanian squad were staying at the hotel ahead of the team's clash with England's B' squad at Burnley's Turf Moor ground tomorrow.

Mr Lila was arrested on the suspicion of indecent assault and taken to Greenbank Police Station, Whitebirk, for questioning.

An interpreter was called in to assist.

Detective Inspector Andy Hulme, of Blackburn CID, said: "It is at the early stages of the inquiry.

"We are still looking into it to ascertain what the facts are, but there is a language barrier."

A spokesman for Accor, which owns the hotel, said: "A member of housekeeping staff reported that a sexual assault took place on her this afternoon in the presence of a colleague.

"She immediately informed us and the police were called.

"An arrest has been made and the matter is now in police hands. We are doing all we can to support the inquiry."

Lysien Murishni, spokesman for the Albanian FA, said the footballer arrested was defender Andi Lila.

He said: "The police are talking to the player, but at the moment we know nothing."

A spokesman for the English Football Association said: "We are aware of the arrest and are acting as an intermediary between the hotel and the Albanian FA. The match will go ahead as scheduled."

A police spokesman said: "A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of indecent assault on an 18-year-old female."

The Albanian squad yesterday morning trained at Nelson FC's Victoria Park in preparation for the international match.

Tonight they were due to train at Turf Moor.