The 28-year-old left-back was arrested in Brompton Road, South Kensington, at about 2.15am today.

He was taken to a central London police station and issued a fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly before being released shortly after 5.30am.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We can confirm a 28-year-old man was arrested at approximately 2.15am in Brompton Road on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

"He was taken to a central London police station where he was issued with a fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly and released shortly after 5.30am."

A member of staff at the Collection nightclub in Brompton Road said she was not able to comment on reports Cole was arrested when he swore at police after emerging from the club.

The Collection, which opened in 1997, became a favourite on the west London celebrity scene after George Michael threw a birthday party there following his arrest in a Beverly Hills public toilet.

Before his arrest last night, Cole was pictured at a nearby charity event with former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips.

Cole joined Chelsea's first-team squad and more than 300 charity workers, celebrities and supporters for the second annual Chelsea Football Club and Armani charity fundraiser.

"Children from Chelsea's two official charity partners, Clic Sargent and Right To Play, joined the players at the Armani Store on Brompton Road where they pitted their talents against the team on Scalextric, computer games, table football and pool," according to a statement on the club's website.

"Funds were raised for the two charities via an auction that was auctioneered by Chelsea and England captain John Terry.

"Other guests included former Formula One supremo Eddie Jordan, Graeme Le Saux, TV presenter Alice Beer and Lady Helen Taylor."

A spokesperson for Chelsea said: "We are aware that Ashley was detained last night. We will want to establish all the facts before commenting.