Jesse Ryder assault: Man arrested by New Zealand police (VIDEO)

GlobalPost

New Zealand police have arrested a man over the assault on cricketer Jesse Ryder outside a bar in Christchurch.

The 20-year-old suspect was interviewed regarding his involvement in the attack on the 28-year-old middle-order batsman. He was arrested and charged with assault, and is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on April 4.

Police said they were also following "positive lines of inquiry" in relation to another person.

Ryder is still in an induced coma in Christchurch Hospital with his family and manager by his side after Thursday morning's assault, which was said to be brutal, as attackers kicked him while he was on the ground.

A spokesman for the ambulance service that transported Ryder to the hospital said he had suffered "very serious head injuries." He is said to have a fractured skull and a punctured lung from the attack.

More from GlobalPost: Jesse Ryder, New Zealand cricket star, fighting for life after beating (VIDEO)

At least 10 people are thought to have witnessed the incident.

The attack came days before Ryder was to accept a lucrative contract with the Indian Premier League.

The cricketer has a history of disciplinary problems and involvement in alcohol-related incidents. Although he had been drinking before his assault, police said alcohol was not a factor.

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