A PROFESSIONAl footballer from Thurrock has been sacked by his club and is facing a charge of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

He is also accused of making and distributing an indecent image of a child.

Tyrell Robinson, 22, from South Ockendon is alleged to have committed the offence in Bradford in August 2018.

Robinson, who graduated through the ranks of Arsenal's youth system before joining Bradford City, is due to appear before magistrates in the Yorkshire city on 7 April.

Bradford City FC said in a statement: "A club statement said: "Bradford City Football Club has parted company with Tyrell Robinson.

"This comes after West Yorkshire Police confirmed charges had been brought against Robinson, following his arrest in August 2018.

"Robinson has been dismissed from the remainder of his contract on grounds of committing gross misconduct.

"The club will be making no further comment on the matter."

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Robinson joined Arsenal when he was just seven and turned professional in January 2015 befoe being released by the Gunners in February 2017.

After trials with Watford and West Brom he signed a one-year contract with Bradford City in May 2017.

He made his senior debut on 21 October 2017, appearing as a substitute in a league match; this was followed three days later by a start in an EFL Trophy game.

He scored his first goal for the club on 18 November 2017. In January 2018 he signed a new contract with the club until summer 2020.

He has scored three goals in 26 appearances in all competitions for the Bantams and was named Bradford City's Supporters' Trust Under 23s' Player of the Year.