England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been charged with affray over an incident outside a nightclub in Bristol.

The incident, which occurred during the West Indies tour of England in September, left a man with a fractured eye socket.

Stokes, who was initially named in England’s Ashes squad, was arrested on September 25 and missed the tour after being suspended from playing for England by the ECB.

He is now been charged along with Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale, both of whom are from Bristol.

The charge comes after Avon & Somerset Police, who had submitted a file in late November, passed on further material in December.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: “The CPS was passed a file of evidence by Avon & Somerset Police on November 29, 2017 in relation to an incident of disorder in Bristol city centre.

“Further material was subsequently received in late December. Following a review of all the available evidence, the CPS has today (Mon 15 Jan) authorized the police to charge three men with affray in connection with the incident.

“Ben Stokes, 26, Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, are all due to appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on a date to be fixed in relation to this charge.

The England and Wales Cricket Board says it will convene within 48 hours to decide on Stokes’ availability to represent England.

Affray is a triable either-way charge, which means the case can ultimately be heard in either the magistrates’ court or the crown court.

It carries a maximum penalty of a fine and/or up to six months in prison when tried summarily in the magistrates’ court and up to three years in prison when tried on indictment in the crown court.