Character comedian Simon Brodkin was apprehended by police officers today after he attempted to join the England football team as they prepared to fly to the World Cup in Brazil.

Appearing as Jason Bent, his corrupt Premiership football character, the comedian donned the same suit and tie as the rest of the squad, who were assembled at Luton Airport.

The comic attempted to blend in with the football stars as they disembarked from their coach at the airport, however he raised the suspicions of some of the players, including captain Steven Gerrard, who alerted police.

Brodkin was spoken to by the officers, but left the airport without any charges being brought against him. Bedfordshire Police confirmed: "A man managed to enter the area and approached the England team bus. This man was quickly apprehended, taken away from the scene and given some strong police advice."

The Jason Bent Twitter account posted a picture (copied below) of the comedian brandishing a passport as he is grappled by a policeman. The real footballers can be seen looking on with a mix of amusement and bemusement.

Bent said: "Gutted Roy wouldn't let me on the plane to Brazil. I don't know what to tell the Malaysian betting syndicate now..."

Jason Bent has previously appeared in sketches as part of Brodkin's BBC Three formats Lee Nelson's Well Good Show and Lee Nelson's Well Funny People, and this is not the first time that Brodkin has attracted police attention whilst appearing as the character. In March he was charged by police after warming up with Manchester City's players on the pitch (Daily Mail picture report).

Here is the picture taken earlier today:

Update - Brodkin has spoken to The Independent about the stunt. He says there was no real plan. Interview

The below sketch featuring Jason Bent is from Lee Nelson's Well Funny People: