Detectives investigating the death of the Cardiff City footballer Emiliano Sala have arrested a 64-year-old man from North Yorkshire on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act. 

The Argentinian forward, who had signed for the Welsh club, died in a plane crash in January.

Sala disappeared with David Ibbotson, the pilot of the Piper Malibu aircraft, after it crashed in waters north of Guernsey on January 21.

Sala’s body was recovered on 6 February after a private search, but the 59 year old Ibbotson, of Crowle, Lincolnshire, is still missing.

DI Simon Huxter of Dorset police’s major crime investigation team said: “We have carried out a wide-ranging investigation into the circumstances of the death of Mr Sala and continue to work with partner agencies including the Civil Aviation Authority.

“As part of this investigation, we have to consider whether there is any evidence of any suspected criminality and, as a result of our inquiries, we have arrested a 64-year-old man from the North Yorkshire area on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act.

“He is assisting with our inquiries and has been released from custody under investigation.

“This matter therefore is still subject to a live investigation and I would ask the media and members of the public to refrain from speculation, as this could cause additional distress to the families involved, as well as potentially hinder the investigation.