Merseyside Police have confirmed that four of the nine men arrested earlier today as part of an investigation into suspicious betting activity have been bailed. Newspapers reports have suggested that the father and uncle of famous footballer Wayne Rooney, along with top football player Steve Jennings, are among those under investigation. The Police have refused to provide more than ages and regions of those involved but said they have been working with the Gambling Commission.

According to the Sun newspaper, Wayne Rooney learned that his dad and uncle had been arrested over an alleged betting con as he was about to board a jet to Montenegro with the England team. A relative had phoned him at Luton airport to say: “Wayne, your dad’s been nicked”. He is being investigated over a £100,000 football sting.

Merseyside Police have since stated that a 54-year-old from Norris Green, a 22-year-old from Kirkdale, a 48-year-old from West Derby and a 26-year-old from Croxteth have all been bailed pending further enquiries.

Stewart Regan the chief executive of the Scottish Football Association said that the Association had received notification from the UK Gambling Commission that Motherwell player Jennings had been arrested at his home by Merseyside Police. He added: "While the investigation involves several other individuals out with Scotland, it is important to stress that the evidence gathered throughout this thorough period of investigation has involved only one Scottish match.

Motherwell is aware of the situation and will issue a response in due course. The Scottish Football Association will make no further comment at this stage."

The Gambling Commission have chosen not to make comment on the investigation and are referring parties to the Merseyside Police website statement as below:

Detectives have today executed warrants at 10 addresses across Merseyside and Glasgow and arrested nine men as part of an investigation into suspicious betting activity

The arrests are the culmination of a joint operation with the Gambling Commission and the nine who have been arrested for conspiracy to defraud are being interviewed by detectives.

Those arrested are a 29-year-old from Bootle, a 48-year-old from West Derby, a 54-year-old from Norris Green, a 26-year-old from Croxteth, a 22-year-old from Kirkdale, a 31-year-old from Litherland, a 68-year-old from Fazakerley, a 36-year-old from Kirkby and a 26-year-old from Glasgow.

The investigation relates to a match between Motherwell and Hearts on December 14, 2010.