Footballer Ched Evans has won an appeal against his conviction for raping a 19-year-old woman - but must face a fresh trial.
The decision was announced on Thursday following appeal proceedings last month, the Press Association reports.
The former Sheffield United striker and Welsh international was present at the London court for the hearing on Thursday with girlfriend Natasha Massey by his side.
Lady Justice Hallett, Mr Justice Flaux and Sir David Maddison heard submissions over two days from Kieran Vaughan QC, for Evans, and from Eleanor Laws QC, for the Crown.
Evans, now 27, was convicted in April 2012. He was found guilty at Caernarfon Crown Court of raping the woman at a hotel in Rhyl, North Wales.
His conviction was referred to the Court of Appeal for review by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates possible miscarriages of justice.
Evans' official website has released a statement detailing thanks to his lawyers, his partner and family, as well as members of the public who offered him support.
It adds: "No further statement will be made as it is acknowledged by Mr Evans that the legal process has not reached a final conclusion and there will be further hearings of significance on dates to be fixed in due court."
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