SOCCER:Police have confirmed that the alleged victim of a nightclub brawl for which Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was arrested is a DJ at the Lounge Inn in the seaside town of Southport, Lancashire.

The England midfielder remains in police custody after the 34 year-old local man was taken to hospital with facial injuries after an altercation that also led to the arrest of five other men on suspicion of assault.

Gerrard, 28, was at the restaurant and bar — which turns into a nightclub — with friends to celebrate Liverpool's 5-1 victory against Newcastle. But trouble began and an altercation took place outside the premises.

A police spokesman said: "Merseyside Police are investigating an assault that took place in the early hours of Monday December 29 on Bold Street in Southport.

"At around 2.30am this morning officers attended a disturbance at a licensed premises on Bold Street. Six men were arrested on suspicion of section 20 assault on Lord Street.

"The men, four aged 33, 31, 29 and 19, who all come from the Huyton area, a 28-year-old man from Formby and an 18-year-old man from Litherland remain in police custody.

"A 34-year-old man from Southport was taken to hospital with facial injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening."

The premises remained shut today but evidence of a fight inside could be seen through the windows. Spots of blood were clearly visible on the floor, and shards of broken glass.

A Bentley car, which is believed to have been parked overnight, remained outside the club with a parking ticket attached.

Today Gerrard's wife, Alex Curran, left a coffee shop close to the police station where the father of her two children was being questioned.

She refused to answer reporters' questions as she walked to her Bentley car and drove off in the opposite direction from the police station, heading towards Liverpool.

Gerrard, who scored twice against Newcastle, hailed his table-topping Liverpool side as the best he has played in after yesterday's win.

He called on everyone at Anfield to enjoy being top of the league after Liverpool extended their lead over Chelsea thanks to the emphatic win.

"I think we've got to enjoy it," said Gerrard. "We will play our best football if we are relaxed and composed. I think it's important for us to remain humble, keep our feet on the ground and keep working hard."

A spokeswoman for Liverpool FC declined to comment. "The club is making no comment whatsoever," she said.