Nile Ranger
Nile Ranger on loan at Sheffield Wednesday in 2012 Getty

Footballer Nile Ranger has been charged with fraud and money laundering after allegedly gaining access to a vulnerable woman's savings.

The Southend United striker was arrested by detectives from FALCON, the Met's response to Fraud and Linked Crime Online, on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Ranger, 25, is due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court to face the charges.

The offences are alleged to have been committed on or around 18 February 2015 and relate to the fraudulent obtaining of bank details by telephone from a vulnerable person in order to gain access to the victim's savings.

Ranger, who has previously played for Newcastle United, Sheffield Wednesday and Blackpool, has made 11 appearances for Southend United this season, scoring two goals.