Newcastle defender Amar Dedic questioned by police after bow and arrow call

Not many Premier League players can say a countryside stroll ended with six police cars on their tail. Newcastle United's Amar Dedic now can.

The 24-year-old defender was questioned by officers on Wednesday after a member of the public spotted him with a bow and arrows near a reservoir in Northumberland.

What happened?

Northumbria Police said they received a report shortly after 1.55pm on Wednesday. Two men were seen carrying a bow and arrows along a track by the reservoir on Military Road, in the Harlow Hill area.

Officers attended and later stopped a vehicle in the Darras Hall area, seven miles away, on the outskirts of Newcastle. They seized the bow and arrows. According to reports, six police cars were sent, including some armed officers.

Police said it is understood the equipment was for recreational use and there was no threat to the public. Enquiries are ongoing.

Is it even legal?

Hunting animals with a bow and arrow or a crossbow is illegal in the UK. Nothing in the police statement suggests that was the case here, and officers described the use as recreational.

Newcastle are reportedly not planning any disciplinary action against the Bosnia international.

What's next?

Dedic joined the Magpies from Benfica in the summer for £30 million. He has made 10 appearances in all competitions and provided four assists. He played 87 minutes of Monday's 1-0 defeat by Everton.

Newcastle are 13th in the Premier League and have lost four of their last five games in all competitions. They travel to Fulham on Saturday, and Dedic could feature.

Manager Matthias Jaissle criticised his players after the Everton defeat but insisted the squad is united. "We always offer them the open door," he said on Thursday, adding that sometimes "you want to do your best, but it's a day where you just couldn't".