FORMER Newcastle star Warren Barton has apologised for an incident which left him in the cells.

Barton, 38, and former team-mate Rob Lee, 41, were both arrested after a taxi driver reported his Mercedes E220 had been driven away shortly before midnight on July 25.

It was found crashed into a van nearby, and the occupants had left.

The former footballers were yesterday told they would not be facing charges in connection with the incident.

The Metropolitan Police began an inquiry into a reported snatch of the vehicle in the Hackney Road area of London's East End.

Barton and Lee had been returning home after a night out and were with two other men in the private hire limousine.

They were later held at a London police station for questioning into the incident.

The Mercedes was recovered and no one was injured.

Barton said: "It was just silliness and I apologise for any embarrassment which may have been caused.

"People know Rob and I don't get involved in this sort of thing.

"I knew that it wouldn't come to charges because there was nothing more to it."

The former England internationals were informed when they answered their bail at Limehouse police station.

Barton, of Chingford, Essex, said: "We were going home after a night out - it was a hire car.

"There were two others with us, but because we are higher profile ex-footballers, we get the headlines. All I can say is that you live and learn, and I'm sorry again for any embarrassment."

A police spokesman said: "Both men have been told there will be no further action against them.

"The victim has indicated that he didn't wish to pursue the matter."